Our general dentist can help reduce the effects of teeth grinding, also known as bruxism. Most people who grind their teeth tend to be unaware of their habit because it mainly occurs during sleep. Grinding your teeth occasionally due to being anxious or stressed out typically does not cause noticeable damage to teeth, but doing it regularly can lead to teeth structures being worn down.
Signs that you might grind your teeth at night include headaches and a sore jaw. It is also a loud habit, so you might get complaints if you share a room with someone. Other symptoms of bruxism include:
Teeth grinding is considered to be an unconscious response to anxiety or stress. People who grind their teeth while awake often do so due to emotional or stressful situations. Some also grind their teeth when concentrating on a task.
Teeth grinding that occurs during sleep is more common than daytime bruxism. It is the body’s unconscious reaction to stress that has carried over from the person's awake state.
Risk factors that can trigger nighttime bruxism include the heavy consumption of caffeine, alcohol, or nicotine. Teeth grinding can also be caused by sleep disorders, like sleep apnea. Age is a risk factor because children are more likely to grind their teeth than adults. Most of them grow out of it by the time they reach adulthood, though.
A person’s personality type can also increase their risk of teeth grinding. For example, people with hyperactive, aggressive personalities are more likely to grind their teeth.
Our general dentist addresses teeth grinding by providing patients with a custom night guard that minimizes the forces placed on their teeth while grinding. These devices look like the mouthguards that athletes wear when playing contact sports.
The night guard is made from an impression created when the patient bites down on a mold. The impression is sent to a lab where technicians make oral appliances like nightguards. The process usually takes a couple of weeks.
Wearing a nightguard can significantly reduce the risk of the patient’s teeth being damaged due to teeth grinding. The dentist also helps by educating the patient on how habits like heavy caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco consumption can make teeth grinding worse.
The dentist might also show the patient relaxation techniques that they can perform before going to bed, to reduce any stress or anxiety that might be affecting their bruxism. Teeth grinding can be tricky to treat, but a nightguard can reduce its effects.
Here are the answers to frequently asked questions about teeth grinding, the damage that it causes, and how to reduce its effects.
There are a several reasons that people grind their teeth. It could be due to stress, misaligned teeth, or sleep disorders. It can also be due to unresolved anger or emotional issues. Using recreational drugs can also lead to teeth grinding. If a patient thinks that they might be clenching or grinding their teeth, they should consult with a dentist to find out the cause.
The most common symptom of bruxism is waking up with a headache or sore jaw. The patient might also observe that their teeth feel more sensitive than usual. Teeth grinding can also damage teeth enamel, leading to issues like chipped and broken teeth. This increases a person’s risk of tooth decay because enamel protects the more sensitive layers of teeth.
Over time, tooth grinding can damage the teeth and lead to tooth decay. It can also cause headaches, jaw pain, and earache. Bruxism wears down the teeth over time, and it can flatten their biting surfaces, hindering one's ability to grind down food.
An effective way for a patient to stop grinding their teeth is for them to see a dentist or another healthcare professional, who can help determine the cause of the patient's tooth grinding and offer treatment options. In the meantime, patients should try to avoid chewing on hard objects (like ice or candy) and relax their jaw when they're feeling stressed.
Our general dentist can help minimize the effects of teeth grinding by providing you with a custom nightguard. Call or visit our West Palm Beach clinic to set up an appointment with our dentist.
Request an appointment here: https://palmbeachinstituteofdentistry.com or call Palm Beach Institute of Dentistry at (561) 763-9213 for an appointment in our West Palm Beach office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentist in West Palm Beach, FL.
Your general dentist serves a critical role in your oral wellness. If it has been a while since your last wellness checkup, you should schedule a visit. It is helpful to understand what will take place during this trip. Knowing what to expect can help you feel more comfortable. Your general dentist has the knowledge…
Brushing your teeth is one of the easiest and most effective things you can do to keep them healthy. It is an important part of your hygiene routine. It can be the difference between having a bright smile you can be proud of or ugly looking teeth you are reluctant to display.Simply brushing teeth every…
A general dentist might recommend a dental implant if you have lost a tooth. This is the only tooth replacement option that stops the bone tissue loss that takes place when teeth fall out. This loss is the result of the structures that once held the lost tooth in place no longer getting the stimulation…
For patients who have been avoiding seeing a general dentist because of fear or apprehension, it may be helpful to know that they are not alone. A 2015 study published in Dental Research Journal found that 58.8% of dental patients surveyed experienced dental anxiety. For patients with severe dental phobia, there are several steps they…
Dental veneers are a popular way to transform your smile and a common cosmetic dental service offered by general dentists. These thin, shell-like porcelain or composite resin covers go directly over the front of natural teeth after a quick preparation process. Because of their ability to make teeth appear uniform in shape, size, and color…
Getting dental bonding can be a good way to improve your smile. It can be hard to know the right time to get it, however. The right way to determine if you are a candidate for it is to have an appointment with your dentist. Keep reading to find out more about a few cosmetic…