Questions and Answers about Bruxism

Do you grind your teeth often whenever you feel anxious or stressed out? Many dentists suggest that while this type of reaction, known as bruxism, isn’t always harmful but can eventually cause tooth damage when done regularly. What makes it worse is that some people don’t even know they do it because it happens when they sleep.

Effects of Bruxism

When you keep grinding your teeth, the constant and repetitive contact can build up pressure which eventually fractures or loosens some of your teeth, or even worse, tear off an already loose tooth. Jaw problems can also arise because of this, such as effecting or aggravating TMD/TMJ disorders and even hearing loss.

How to Identify Bruxism During Sleep

When you grind your teeth subconsciously all night, you won’t really know about it the next morning, unless you wake up with an inexplicable headache or a sore jaw. When this sensation begins to occur regularly, call your dentist immediately and schedule a checkup, so you will know for sure whether or not you have bruxism.

Prevention

Your dentist can recommend a mouth guard for you to wear when you sleep, so as to prevent teeth grinding. You might also want to cut down on food and drinks heavy in caffeine and/or alcohol, especially right before bedtime as these might increase your chances of inadvertently grinding your teeth as you sleep. Avoid chewing on anything that isn’t food (even chewing gum).

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