Bruxism and You

Do you wake up in the morning with an aching jaw, or a dull and constant headache? It is very possible that you could suffer from bruxism, also known as grinding your teeth.

This time of year, stress and anxiety levels can run high. This is a very common cause of subconscious grinding teeth. Grinding can also occur during sleep, or be caused by misaligned or missing teeth. If you are not sure if you are a grinder or not, request your dentist to check for some of the telltale signs of grinding.

With chronic grinding, tooth loss may occur. But more commonly, the tooth will fracture, or be ground down into a stub. This can expose the dental nerves and lead to a lot of pain. Bruxism can also affect your jaw, exacerbate TMJ, and even impact your hearing.

Your friendly Valencia dentist can fit you with a custom crafted dental guard to help protect your teeth from grinding at night. If your grinding is caused by stress, your dentist can go over your options for stress reduction, and could potentially refer you to a stress specialist.

If you notice yourself grinding your teeth, you can do a few things to help lessen the pain and damage (while waiting to see your dentist). Avoiding stimulants, such as caffeine, and avoiding alcohol can help reduce grinding. If you notice you are grinding during the day, place your tongue between your teeth. If your jaw muscles are tense, a warm washcloth on your cheek can help relax them.

If you fear you may be a grinder, your friendly Valencia dentist can answer all your questions and concerns. Make an appointment today.