Most people probably grind and clench their
teeth from time to time. But occasional teeth
grinding does
not usually cause harm. It’s when teeth grinding occurs on a regular basis the
teeth can be damaged and other oral health complications can arise.
Why Do People Grind Their
Teeth?[1]
Although teeth grinding can be caused by
stress and anxiety, it often occurs during sleep and is more likely caused
by an abnormal bite, missing or crooked
teeth.
How Do I Find Out if I
Grind My Teeth?
Because grinding often occurs during sleep,
most people are unaware that they grind their teeth. However, a dull, constant headache or sore jaw is a telltale
symptom of bruxism. Many times people learn that they grind their teeth by
their loved one who hears the grinding at night.
If you suspect you may be grinding your
teeth, talk to your dentist. He or she can examine your mouth and jaw for
signs of bruxism, such as jaw tenderness and abnormalities in your teeth.
Why Is Teeth Grinding
Harmful?
In some cases, chronic teeth grinding can
result in a fracturing, loosening, or loss of teeth. The chronic grinding may
wear their teeth down to stumps. When these events happen, bridges, crowns, root
canals, implants, partial dentures, and even complete dentures may be needed.
Not only can severe grinding damage teeth and
result in tooth loss, it can also affect your jaws, result in hearing
loss,
cause or worsen TMD/TMJ, and even change the appearance of your
face.
What Can I Do to Stop
Grinding My Teeth?
If stress is causing you to grind your teeth,
ask your doctor or dentist about options to reduce your stress. Attending stress counseling, starting an
exercise program, seeing a physical therapist, or obtaining a prescription for anti-anxiety
or muscle relaxants are among some of the options that may be offered.
Other tips to help you stop teeth grinding
include:[2]
·
Avoid or cut back on foods and drinks that
contain caffeine, such as colas, chocolate, coffee and
so-called energy drinks.
·
Avoid alcohol. Grinding tends to intensify
after alcohol consumption.
·
Do not chew on objects that are not food. So
avoid, finger nails, pencils and pens. Also avoid chewing gum as it allows your
jaw muscles to get used to clenching and may tend to make you more likely to
grind your teeth.
·
Train yourself not to clench or grind your
teeth. If you notice that you clench or grind during the day, position the tip
of your tongue between your teeth. This practice trains
your jaw muscles to relax.
·
Relax your jaw muscles at night by holding a
warm washcloth against your cheek in front of your earlobe.
Novy
Scheinfeld, DDS, PC
290 Carpenter
Drive, 200A
Atlanta (Sandy
Springs), GA 30328
404-256-3620
info@rightsmilecenter.com
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