Do you chronically grind or clench your teeth? Since this habit is often a nocturnal one, it usually flies under the radar for years before being diagnosed. Unfortunately, by that point, your oral health and overall wellbeing may have sustained serious damage. That’s why it’s so important to be aware of the common symptoms of teeth grinding, as well as the dangers of ignoring them.
So, What Are the Dangers of Teeth Grinding?
To chew, your teeth exert around 200 pounds of force. When that pressure is used to grind against your other teeth, it won’t take long for the look and function of your smile to suffer. In fact, if left untreated, this chronic habit can wear down our teeth to stumps, damaging their structure and fracturing any existing restorations. Not to mention the subsequent headaches, jaw pain, and other unpleasant symptoms that follow. In short, if left unchecked, teeth grinding can negatively impact both your oral and overall health.
7 Signs of Teeth Grinding to Look Out for
Since teeth grinding is often an unintentional habit, it’s of the utmost importance that you keep an eye out for the common symptoms, including:
- Flat, short teeth surfaces
- Earaches
- Headaches
- A clicking or popping jaw
- Sensitive or broken teeth
- Jaw pain
- Sore gums
If any of these symptoms arise, especially in conjunction with one another, schedule an appointment with your dentist. That way, they can quickly assess if teeth grinding is the root of the problem.
An Inside Look at Preventing and Treating Teeth Grinding
Oftentimes, teeth grinding is a result of anxiety and stress. Therefore, the first step is always to do your best to manage these emotions with best practices like deep breathing and meditation. However, certain medical conditions, like Parkinson’s disease, and misaligned teeth are also common culprits. In cases like these, your priority should be visiting your dentist for a custom nightguard. Unlike store-bought alternatives, these oral appliances will fit your mouth comfortably, preventing it from becoming a choking hazard as you sleep.
Although teeth grinding is a common habit, it shouldn’t be dismissed, especially since it can take such a serious toll on your oral health and overall wellbeing. So, if you notice any of the above symptoms beginning to surface, visit your dentist’s office right away!
About the Practice
Leading our team at Bruner Dental are three talented dentists, Dr. Christine Root, Dr. Clifford Sneed, and Dr. Elisheva Tinsley. In addition to providing meticulous checkups, essential restorative care, and beautiful cosmetic dentistry, they are proud to help patients struggling with teeth grinding find the lasting relief they need. In fact, with a custom-made, comfortable nightguard, they can save your teeth from damage and improve your overall quality of life! So, don’t hesitate to visit our website or give us a call at 765-613-3128 if you’re interested in learning more.
