Is Bruxism Affecting You?

young man feeling pain holding his cheek with hand You may not even realize that you grind your teeth, but tooth grinding (or “bruxism” as it is technically known) can cause long-term problems and short-term pain. Read on for some more information about this painful habit (that you may not even know you have) and what you can do about it.

The harm that bruxism can do

Although you may not realize you grind your teeth, you may start to notice the problems that can come with bruxism. You may notice that your face, jaw, and neck muscles are often tensed up and sore. You may start to have headaches and even ear pain.

Over time, the constant stress of having your teeth grinding together can cause permanent damage to your teeth. Tooth enamel can wear off, and teeth may become cracked or chipped. If this isn’t treated, it can lead to infection and even tooth loss.

Bruxism is actually quite common, and everyone grinds their teeth occasionally. It may be something you do throughout the day, or you may do it in your sleep and not even realize it. Some people might not know they do it until their dentist tells them that their teeth are becoming damaged because of it.

Why do people grind their teeth?

There may be different reasons why you grind your teeth. It can be because of a sleep issue, such as sleep apnea, or it may be caused by a dental issue, such as a misaligned bite or missing or crooked teeth. Some people may grind their teeth because of stress or anxiety. Techniques to prevent tooth grinding vary, depending on why you grind your teeth. If it is related to stress, you may want to find ways to relax or find a counselor with whom to discuss your troubles. Your dentist may also recommend a mouth guard to wear at night, which will keep your top and bottom teeth from grinding.

If you have been noticing headaches and jaw pain, these painful symptoms may be because of bruxism. Call the Konig Center for Cosmetic and Comprehensive Dentistry in Houston, Texas, for help with this painful habit. Call (713) 668-2289 today!

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