Do you wake up with a sore jaw or headache? Have your teeth become unusually sensitive or worn? You could be experiencing bruxism, a condition involving repeated teeth grinding or clenching. Because bruxism frequently occurs during sleep, many people do not realize they are doing it.
At Poplar Square Dental, we can evaluate your teeth and jaw for signs of grinding and recommend ways to help protect your smile from further damage.
What Is Bruxism?
Bruxism is the medical term for grinding, clenching, or tightly pressing your teeth together. It can occur while you are awake or asleep.
Occasional clenching may not cause significant problems. However, frequent or forceful grinding can place considerable pressure on your teeth, jaw muscles, and dental restorations.
Sleep bruxism can be especially difficult to recognize because it happens unconsciously. In some cases, a spouse or partner may hear the grinding before the patient notices any symptoms.
What Are the Signs of Bruxism?
The symptoms of bruxism vary from person to person. Some patients experience jaw discomfort, while others first notice changes in their teeth.
Common signs can include:
- Worn or flattened teeth
- Chipped or cracked enamel
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Jaw soreness or tightness
- Morning headaches
- Facial muscle discomfort
- Damage to fillings, crowns, or other restorations
- Teeth grinding sounds during sleep
These symptoms can have other causes, so a dental examination is important for an accurate diagnosis.
What Causes Teeth Grinding?
Bruxism can be associated with several factors. Stress and anxiety may contribute to awake grinding or clenching. Sleep-related bruxism can have different contributing factors and may occur without an obvious cause.
Certain medications, lifestyle habits, sleep disorders, and other factors may also play a role.
Rather than assuming why you are grinding your teeth, talk with your dentist about your symptoms. Identifying possible contributing factors can help determine the most appropriate approach.
Can Bruxism Damage Your Teeth?
Repeated grinding can gradually wear away tooth enamel. As the enamel becomes thinner, teeth may become more sensitive and vulnerable to chips or fractures.
Severe wear can change the shape and appearance of your teeth. Bruxism may also place stress on existing fillings, crowns, veneers, and other dental restorations.
Addressing the problem early may help prevent more extensive restorative dental treatment later.
Can a Nightguard Help With Bruxism?
For some patients, a dentist may recommend a custom nightguard. This dental appliance is worn while sleeping and creates a protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth.
A nightguard does not necessarily eliminate the underlying cause of bruxism. However, it can help protect teeth from the damaging forces created by grinding and clenching.
Custom nightguards are made specifically for your mouth, providing a secure fit based on your teeth and bite.
Protect Your Teeth From Grinding
If you suspect that you grind or clench your teeth, do not wait until significant wear or damage develops. Regular dental examinations can help identify signs of bruxism that you may not notice yourself.
Poplar Square Dental provides comprehensive dental care to help patients protect their teeth from grinding, wear, and other damage. If you experience jaw soreness, morning headaches, sensitive teeth, or other signs of bruxism, contact our office to schedule an evaluation.
