Teeth Grinding: Symptoms To Pay Attention To & Your Options in Treatments To Prevent Permanent Damage
Have you ever woken up with a dull headache? Or felt like your jaw was sore?
It could be that you’re grinding your teeth at night.
Teeth grinding, or teeth clenching is a common problem that often goes undetected until you see a dentist. The medical term for it is called bruxism.
Many people are unaware that they clench their teeth tight or grind their teeth while they’re sleeping.
Teeth Grinding Symptoms
It’s important to pay attention to any of the following symptoms to prevent permanent damage to your teeth.
In some cases, it can lead to disorders such as temporomandibular joints – what most people know as TMJs.
Please take care of your teeth and make an appointment if you suddenly have any of the following teeth grinding symptoms:
- Tooth pain
- Tooth sensitivity
- Tired jaw muscles
- Jaw, neck or face pain
- Sleep disruption
- Chipped teeth; teeth that are worn flat
- Dull headache
Teeth Grinding Treatment
The first step to getting treatment is to see your dentist.
At Forest Ridge Dentistry, our dentists will examine your teeth and jaw for signs of clenching and grinding.
We often take X-rays to assess the teeth.
If you are grinding your teeth, wearing a mouthguard can help prevent further damage. A mouth guard keeps your teeth separated so you can’t clench or grind them.
We work with a lab to make mouth guards for patients that fit comfortably and effectively protect your teeth.
Teeth Grinding Causes
While a mouth guard will help protect your teeth and jaw, it’s also important to consider why you’re grinding or clenching. Some people do it out of habit to cope with stress.
It’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about it because teeth grinding can be caused by underlying medical conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease – GERD – and sleep-related disorders.
Treating these conditions may help alleviate teeth grinding.
Is it time for a visit to your dentist?
Is it time for a checkup? Call Forest Ridge Dental Group for an appointment today: (530) 676-9999. We’re conveniently located at 2530 Cameo Dr. in Cameron Park.
