We rarely provide teeth grinding any thought as a threat to our oral health. The habit of clenching, gnashing, or grinding one’s teeth is referred to as bruxism, and it affects many individuals. This clenching or grinding may happen when you are asleep and during the day, which is one of the primary causes why so many people are unaware that they are doing it.
Around one-third of individuals deal with bruxism during the day, and over one-tenth of them encounter it when they sleep. If you or your child has bruxism, contact the Pacific Beach dental practice.
The effect of bruxism on oral health
The habit of clenching, gnashing, or grinding your teeth is known as bruxism. This may happen in the daytime or when you are asleep at night. Many symptoms can be linked to bruxism, including as:
- Pain or discomfort in the neck, head, jaw, or teeth
- Dental enamel degradation
- Sensitivity of teeth to cold and heat
- Broken, chipped, or cracked teeth
- Jaw cracking or clicking as the mouth opens
- Bruxism at night, causing grinding noises that prevent you from sleeping
- Jaw muscle strain causing an earache
- Loose teeth due to gum recession
Teeth clenching and grinding, or bruxism can have several underlying reasons. Although every person’s specific etiology of bruxism might vary, a number of standard factors have been found. People who suffer psychological stresses may unknowingly clench or grind their teeth, making emotional tension and anxiety-recognized triggers. Misaligned teeth, or malocclusion, may also be involved as clenching and grinding may be an attempt to achieve a more comfortable posture for the jaw.
Is bruxism manageable?
Fortunately, bruxism can reduce its adverse effects on your dental health by controlling and preventing it. A mouthguard that goes over your teeth and reduces pressure while you sleep is one substitute.
Bruxism can be successfully managed and stopped with the help of mouthguards. They serve as a physical barrier that keeps the lower and upper teeth separate and away from each other. The pressure from grinding is taken up by the mouthguard, lowering the risk of gum and tooth injury. Furthermore, it helps keep your jaw firmly in place so that it can lay pleasantly flat.
In general, if you neglect bruxism for an extended amount of time, it can harm your dental health. Even if you experience this condition, you may maintain the health of your teeth and gums by using suitable management approaches like mouthguards and stress-reduction techniques. To get the best therapy possible, it is essential to speak with your doctor or dentist if you think you may have bruxism.
