Did you know you can be damaging your teeth at night time and not even know it? An oral condition known as bruxism can damage your teeth through gnashing, grinding, even clenching. About 10 percent of people suffer from this condition. If you’re affected, it’s important that you know the signs of bruxism. That way, you’ll have a better understanding of how to protect your teeth at night.
- Bruxism affects more than just your teeth. For most people, bruxism is mild. However, when it turns into a more frequent and severe case, grinding your teeth can irritate the joints in your lower jaw. They’re called TMJ or temporomandibular joints. TMJ can cause pain and tightness in your lower jaw area, as well as headaches and earaches.
- The symptoms are linked to stress. Did you know that you are more likely to grind and clench your teeth at night if you’re anxious, tense or frustrated? No one knows why. But, it is believed that smoking and caffeinated beverages may contribute to the symptoms. People with a certain competitive personalities also suffer from teeth grinding.
- You can start doing it later in life. Even if you never clenched or grinded your teeth when you were younger, you still may do it later in life. Since stress is linked to bruxism, you may start grinding and clenching your teeth in your sleep when challenges arise in your life.
- You may not know you’re doing it. Don’t think you’re a teeth grinder? Many people don’t know they grind their teeth because it usually happens while they’re asleep. So, if you have facial pain that you can’t explain, or even unexplainable headaches and/or earaches, you may be grinding your teeth at night without even knowing it.
- Children do it more than adults. A study suggests that up to 15 percent of children grind their teeth in their sleep. One study even says as high as 38 percent are actually teeth grinders. That doesn’t mean your children are stressed out, but children also grind their teeth when they are teething or have earaches.
- Bruxism is treatable. The good news is bruxism is treatable. If your bruxism is very severe, there are things you can to do to stop it from happening. One option is to get fitted for a custom mouth guard from your local dentist. That will reduce or even eliminate the damage from grinding your teeth at night.
Are you a teeth grinder in need of professional help? Your local Billings, MT dentist at Bridge Creek will evaluate your case and come up with a plan to ensure that you don’t damage your teeth at night.
Visit Bridge Creek Dental, your best choice for local dental care in Billings, MT. Bridge Creek Dental specializes in preventive care, emergency dentistry , cosmetic dentistry and so much more. Contact Bridge Creek Dental for an appointment today.