You may not have heard the word Bruxism, but you’ll surely be aware of its other name, teeth grinding. It is a common oral health disorder in which a person unconsciously clenches or grinds their teeth. For some patients, this condition remains prevalent at night, while others do it throughout the day without realizing they are actually doing it until they start to encounter the aftermath of bruxism, which includes a misaligned bite and jaw soreness.
Now that you know what is teeth grinding, let’s proceed further and find out answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about bruxism:
What causes teeth grinding?
While it’s still unclear what exactly causes bruxism, experts believe that there are many factors that can lead to the development of this condition. These include anxiety, stress, malocclusion, and sleep disorders.
What are common signs of teeth grinding?
When a person suffers from bruxism, they display some of the following symptoms:
- Tight jaw muscles
- Uncomfortable bite
- Chronic headache
- Jaw soreness
- Earaches
- Loose teeth
- Sensitive teeth
- Worn chewing surfaces
If you notice any of these signs, get dental services in Tupelo that specialize in bruxism treatment at the earliest. Delaying the onset of these signs will further elevate the condition.
How to stop grinding your teeth?
They are over-the-counter mouthguards available. You can get one to fix grinding your teeth. However, it’s recommended that you get it custom-made by your dentist so that it can fit your mouth perfectly.
For the uninitiated, a mouthguard for teeth grinding is basically an oral appliance, which particularly helps if you complain of teeth grinding in sleep. You will have to wear this soft appliance when you sleep. It works by adding a layer that will separate your teeth’ surface so you cannot grind them.
Are there other ways to prevent teeth grinding?
Apart from using a mouthguard, there are other ways to prevent teeth grinding. These include massaging the jaw muscles, relaxing before hitting the bed, exercising, and avoiding chewy foods.
What are the side effects of mouth grinding?
Bruxism can result in numerous dental health issues. For instance, it can result in misshapen teeth, headache, tired jaw muscles, weakened enamel, cheek damage, and pain in other areas, such as the neck and face as well. Therefore, you should seek teeth treatment for bruxism without wasting time.
What to look for when getting a mouthguard for bruxism?
As stated above, over-the-counter mouthguards are available, but you shouldn’t rely on them because it’s highly unlikely you will find the one that fits your mouth seamlessly. It’s best that you consult your dental health provider as they will help you get a custom-made mouthguard. Make sure it perfectly fits you and causes no discomfort. Furthermore, it should be made of heat-cured, premium quality, and durable material.
Bear in mind that a mouthguard can be soft or hard. Whether you need a soft or hard solution depends on your condition, and your dentist will be best able to guide you about it.
We hope that we have cleared all your questions and confusion pertaining to bruxism.