Bruxism - Put Your Teeth Grinding To Rest

Many people may grind and clench their teeth from time to time.
Occasional teeth grinding, or bruxism, does not usually cause harm,
but when teeth grinding occurs on a regular basis the teeth can be
damaged causing other oral health complications to arise. Although
teeth grinding can be caused by stress and anxiety, it may often occur
during sleep and is more likely caused by an abnormal bite or missing
or crooked teeth.Bruxism is a condition in which you grind, gnash or
clench your teeth. If you grind your teeth, you may unconsciously
clench your teeth together during the day or grind them at night. Your
bruxism can be mild and may not require treatment. Unfortunately, it
can be frequent and severe enough to lead to jaw disorders, headaches,
damaged teeth and other dental problems. Since bruxism may occur while
you are sleeping, you may be unaware of it until complications
develop. It is important to know the signs and symptoms of bruxism and
to seek regular dental care from your Lincoln Park dentist.Causes and
SymptomsOccurring frequently in your sleep, it is often difficult to
recognize if you have bruxism. There are a number of signs that can
indicate if a person is suffering from teeth grinding such as, your
teeth may appear worn down with tips that look flat. Some teeth become
so worn that the enamel comes off which then exposes the inside of the
tooth causing extreme sensitivity. Many people report pain in their
jaw that can produce popping or clicking noises. Additionally, as a
result of excessive clenching, a key indicator of bruxism can be
indentation on the tongue.Other symptoms include:A grinding sound at
night
A dull morning headache
Occasional swelling on the side of your lower jaw
Painful jaw joint
Long-lasting pain in the face
Damaged teeth, broken dental fillings and injured gums
According to the Academy of General Dentistry, if you bite your
fingernails when you are stressed, chew on a pencil or clench you jaw
during sports competitions, you could be at a greater risk for
bruxism.If you are exhibiting any of these symptoms, it is important
to visit your Lincoln Park and Lakeview dentist to discuss the
problem. It is always important to bring attention to an oral issue to
prevent further problems.Tips for PreventionOne way to begin
prevention is to watch what you eat. Certain foods have been shown to
increase instances of teeth grinding, so it is helpful to avoid drinks
that contain caffeine like coffee or cola. Research has also shown
that grinding behaviors may increase after the consumption of
alcohol.Chewing gum on a regular basis can also contribute to bruxism
because it conditions your jaw muscles to become more used to
clenching. You can help train yourself by simply placing your tongue
between your teeth any time you notice a clench. This type of
habituation can help you to train your muscles to relax and reduce
clenching.