Why You Might Be Clenching Your Teeth and Ways You Can Treat It
Do you ever take a break from what you're doing only to notice your teeth are biting together? Do you wake up in the morning with pain in your head, tooth sensitivity, or jaw pain? You could be experiencing bruxism – a problem that involves gnashing, clenching, or biting your teeth throughout the daytime or when you're asleep at night. It is considered one of the bad dental behaviors for your smile that affects 1 out of 10 adults. Individuals could develop signs of bruxism due to several causes, but if not addressed, it may be detrimental to your oral wellness. Keep reading to discover more regarding teeth grinding symptoms and the ways our qualified oral care experts at Made Ya Smile The Woodlands, TX in The Woodlands, TX can handle this condition.
What is bruxism?
Bad oral habits can include cigarettes, eating too many desserts, not drinking enough water, and teeth clenching. The cause of teeth grinding is specific to every individual, and the dental team at Made Ya Smile The Woodlands, TX will screen for symptoms of jaw clenching during every oral exam. Regardless of whether it is hereditary, psychological, or physical, it is a disorder that could impact your oral health. Unconscious teeth grinding might be associated with acid reflux, neurological disorders like ADHD, or specific sleep problems, like sleep apnea. Daytime teeth grinding, however, is usually triggered by fear and emotional tension.
What are typical bruxism indicators?
At Made Ya Smile The Woodlands, TX, our dental experts review for symptoms of bruxism throughout routine dental examinations. The habit of grinding or clenching is a concern that affects women, men, and even kids. Certain factors, including stress, worry, common sleep issues, or crooked teeth could prompt individuals to clench their teeth. One of the most noticeable indicators of jaw clenching is the erosion of tooth covering; however, additional symptoms involve:
- Tightness in the neck, shoulder, or jaw area
- Gumline recession
- Disrupted sleep
- Weakened restorations or teeth
- Tightness or discomfort in the jaw joint (temporomandibular joint)
- Head pain
- Tooth sensitivity
- Earaches
What are teeth grinding therapy options?
Sleep-related teeth grinding occurs if the airway becomes constricted, sparking the body to generate more saliva and resemble a grinding motion to help the airway to relax. Clenching or shifting the top and lower jawline back and forth is the body's natural process to defend itself against the effects of sleep problems, like sleep apnea or frequent snoring. To secure your mouth and general wellness from the impact of bruxism throughout the night, our dental experts at Made Ya Smile The Woodlands, TX advise a personalized dental guard appliance. Consisting of durable elements, they are engineered to reduce pain and dental concerns resulting from bruxism. Other treatment options include:
- Address related medical conditions, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease
- Find a solution for common sleep-related disorders, such as sleep apnea, to improve unconscious jaw clenching
- Practice proper jaw and mouth placement during the day
- Cosmetic injections to reduce hyperactivity of the masseter muscle
- Practice stress management methods, like deep breathing or seeking out support
Have you been in need of an oral health provider in The Woodlands, TX?
Grinding or clenching your teeth may result in damage and pain, affecting your dental health in a number of ways. A custom-made nighttime oral guard may be an ideal technique to secure your teeth, get a better night's sleep, and treat teeth clenching symptoms. If you want a customized oral guard appliance or want to find out more details regarding jaw clenching, get in touch with our friendly staff at Made Ya Smile The Woodlands, TX in The Woodlands, TX.