Teeth grinding is a habit that can wreak havoc on your teeth. Also known by its scientific name, bruxism, teeth grinding often occurs when a person is anxious, angry, or restless. Whether you grind your teeth while awake or while you sleep, you are damaging your teeth.
Several risks are associated with teeth grinding that can be repaired through Supreme Dentistry’s
family dental services. Find out how our dental experts can help you with your teeth grinding issues by calling
844.966.2333.
Grinding Teeth at Night Causes Headaches
People who grind their teeth at night often get headaches. While the headaches can be mild or extreme, the cause is simple. When you are grinding your teeth at night while sleeping, you are clenching your jaw too tightly. Jaw clenching can irritate your nerves, causing headaches that might become unbearable.
Insomnia
Another risk associated with teeth grinding is insomnia. When you are awake and restless, it is not uncommon for you to grind your teeth. Teeth grinding develops into a habit that can seriously impact your sleep pattern as you will stay up all night. Not getting enough sleep leads to irritability and sleepiness during the day, contributing to added stress, more teeth grinding, and sleep difficulties.
A Sore Jaw
Consistent and excessive teeth grinding can have adverse effects on a person’s jaw. Teeth grinding also causes soreness and pain in the gums as well as the jaws. This pain can become increasingly worse, and many people often have to be examined by a dentist as a result.
Earaches
Another common issue that arises because of clenching your teeth and grinding them is earaches. Your teeth grinding can directly impact your ears, causing unnecessary pain in your ear canal.
Worn Teeth
One of the first signs of teeth grinding is worn teeth. Often, people don’t even realize they suffer from excessive teeth grinding.
Receding Gums
When you grind your teeth, it affects not only your teeth but also your gums. It is not uncommon for people who grind their teeth to have receding gums. Receding gums has serious repercussions, such as your teeth falling out.
Fractured Teeth
When you continuously grind your teeth, it is easy for your teeth to become fractured. Sometimes damaged tooth enamel does not immediately cause discomfort or even make you sensitive. However, it is still essential to get examined by a dentist. After all, a fractured tooth can ruin your teeth’ shape and change your mouth’s appearance.
How Can I Stop Grinding My Teeth?
If you are ready to stop grinding your teeth, here are some remedies:
- Stop drinking beverages containing caffeine such as soda and coffee
- Cutback on your alcohol consumption. Grinding often intensifies after someone drinks alcohol
- Cease chewing on pencils, pens, and even gum promotes clenching, which leads to teeth grinding
- If you realize you are clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth during the day, place the tip of your tongue in between your teeth. Putting the tip of your tongue in between your teeth will help your jaw muscles relax.
- At night, place a warm washcloth next to your earlobe, which will help you relax your jaw muscles.
- Practice meditation or yoga to begin relaxing your body before bedtime. Both meditation and yoga are known to help people defeat anxiety and stress. When you are more relaxed, you will be less likely to grind your teeth.
Learn More about Supreme Dentistry’s Solutions for Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding is a common issue in many people who are trying to relieve stress. And while grinding your teeth might provide some relief, there are many risks associated. At Supreme Dentistry, we provide many solutions to repair fractured or worn teeth due to teeth grinding. Contact us today at
844.966.2333.
