Teeth grinding, medically called bruxism, is a dental condition referring to too much grinding of teeth. This condition leads to excessive clenching of the jaw as well. Bruxism can be a stress reaction (awake bruxism) or occurs during sleep – known as nocturnal bruxism. It’s best to talk to your dentist to stop this practice early on. Or otherwise, you may end up developing a host of teeth health problems. Sleep-bruxism can be responsible for snoring, sleep apnea, or other types of sleep-related issues. If you’ve been suffering from this problem, consult your dentist at the best dental clinic in Siliguri city.
Are You Grinding Your Teeth Too much?
Knowing the symptoms of Teeth Grinding
The following are signs and symptoms of teeth grinding:
- Clenching teeth
- Worn dental enamel
- Loud snoring
- Chipped teeth
- Jaw locking
- Fractured/loose teeth
- Tight jaw muscles
- Tooth pain
- Pain in the face, jaw, neck
- Tired jaw
- Disturbed sleep
- Earaches
- Painful eating/chewing
What Can Make Sleep Bruxism Worse?
Certain factors that can trigger sleep bruxism include:
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Smoking
- Family history of sleep bruxism
- Alcohol
What Causes Teeth Grinding/ Bruxism?
Given below are several reasons for teeth grinding:
- Drinking excessive alcohol
- Smoking cigarettes
- Consumption of too many caffeinated items
- Stress
- Anxiety problem
- Certain anti-anxiety meds
Risk Factors & Complications of Bruxism
Much remains unknown about the exact cause of bruxism. There are a few conditions that may put you at risk of this issue that include – heredity, young age, tobacco, anxiety, alcohol, caffeinated beverage, recreational drugs.
Other risk factors include:
- Parkinson’s disease
- Dementia
- Night terrors
- GERD (gastroesophageal reflux)
- Sleep apnea
- Epilepsy
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Complications of bruxism can be – teeth damage, jaw damage, jaw pain, facial pain, tension-type headaches, tooth fracture, temporomandibular disorders, enamel erosion, tooth loss, tooth sensitivity.
Understanding the Preventive Ways of Bruxism
In order to stop grinding your teeth, you need to be attentive to a few things:
- Refrain from alcohol intake as it amplifies grinding habits after consumption.
- Cut down foods that trigger grinding (chocolate, caffeine, colas)
- If anxiety/stress leads you to grind your teeth, you need medical care for stress management.
- Get guidance from your dentist to relax your jaw muscles.
- Do not bite down/chew on something that is not edible, such as pencils, pens, rubber.
- Avoid chewing gum because this practice can promote teeth grinding to a great extent.
When To Visit a Dental Clinic?
Once you get aware that you’re grinding your teeth, inform your dentist. Early detection of your dental health problem safeguards your wellbeing against further difficulties.
Visiting a trusted dental clinic twice a year keeps you from chances of dental health issues. To diagnose if you have bruxism, your dentist may – a physical exam of your teeth, observe the existing symptoms, evaluate if you have pain or tenderness in your jaw muscles, dental X-rays.
It’s Time To Talk To Your Dentist
Assured by the underlying cause of the bruxism, your doctor ensures your treatment. For many people, the reasons for bruxism lies in sleep-related issues. In that case, a doctor may refer the patient to a sleep medicine specialist.
Likewise, if anxiety or elevated stress level results in bruxism, you may need extra guidance from a specialist as guided by your dentist. Depending upon how much of your teeth have been affected by bruxism, you get treatments. You might consider consulting the best dentist in Siliguri town.
There’s no specific medicine that directly stops bruxism. However, your doctor may prescribe muscle relaxers to help you avoid stopping night-time grinding. Botox injections can also help in the healing of teeth grinding. Mouthguards, at the same time, keep your teeth separated to fend off clenching.
