What is bruxism and how to deal with it?

Bruxism refers to the habit of grinding teeth. Many children and even adults develop the habit of grinding, clenching or gnashing their teeth because of stress or anxiety. It causes many health conditions such as the sore jaw, earaches, headaches, and risk of physical injury.

The enamel of your teeth gets eroded due to the regular friction of grinding. Because of bruxism, teeth can get develop sensitivity and toothaches. Problem with sleeping, sore jaw and headaches after sleep is other common problems caused by bruxism.

According to the American dental association, 10-15% of the population suffers from bruxism. Apart from some preventive measures mentioned further, which can limit the damage caused by bruxism, there is no known cure for bruxism.

What are the dangers caused by bruxism?

Bruxism causes a variety of dangers, from health conditions to chances of physical injuries. Some of the problems caused by bruxism are –

1. Pain

The grinding and clenching in your jaw will cause headaches, earaches, toothaches, and pain in the jaw. Waking up to a sore jaw or headaches will become quite common.

The regular loss of enamel from your teeth will make them weak, making them extra sensitive to hot and cold items. Sensitivity is common in people with bruxism.

2. Problem with sleeping

All the pain in the jaw and teeth will cause problems in your sleeping. People with bruxism often wake up at night with a sore jaw. Discomfort in sleeping is caused because of bruxism.

Dental nightguards are heavily helpful at night. These are protective mouthguards especially made for bruxism. These mouthguards protect your teeth from damage and provide comfort.

3. Damaged teeth

The gnashing and grinding of teeth and loss of enamel will even break your teeth. Bruxism can cause chipped teeth over some time. Chipped teeth cause sensitivity and toothaches.

Because of the physical force and damage cracked teeth and chipped teeth can be caused because of teeth grinding.

4. Changed bite

Because of regular grinding between the teeth, the shape of the teeth gets distorted. The physical force because of gnashing and clenching can even change your teeth’s alignment and shape. This can cause improper bite and the sharp teeth can even damage your mouth’s gums and soft tissue.

How to know you have bruxism?

Bruxism can affect you both while sleeping and while you are awake. Here are the symptoms that tell you to have bruxism. If you have any of the following symptoms, contact Westgate dental to get your dental nightguard made.

1. You wake up between sleep with pain in the jaw.
2. Earaches after sleeping.
3. Headaches after sleeping.
4. You get a sore jaw and neck after sleeping.
5. Your teeth have flat edges and are not pointed.

What is the treatment for bruxism?

Although there is no known treatment for bruxism, the problem caused by it can be prevented by using a dental nightguard. Some of the possible treatments you can try for bruxism are mentioned further.

Dental nightguards are mouthguards that you have to wear over your teeth. These nightguards protect your teeth from the physical damage caused by teeth grinding. They also prevent the pain caused by bruxism and provide a comfortable sleep.

These nightguards are custom-made by professional dentists based on the cast of your teeth. Using a dental nightguard will provide you comfort and protect you from dangers caused by bruxism.

If you will use a dental mouthguard, you will be able to sleep comfortably. Apart from that, it will protect you from physical injuries that can occur because of grinding. These physical injuries will cause a lot of pain and expenses that you can prevent.

What are the other treatments for bruxism?

Some of the treatments you can try for bruxism are mentioned below –

1. Reduce stress by attending stress counseling or seeing a physical therapist.
2. Reduce your caffeine consumption.
3. Quit drinking alcohol.
4. If you notice yourself clenching your teeth, try to voluntarily stop it.
5. Relax your jaw muscles at night by placing a warm cloth on your jaw.

If you suffer from bruxism, or you think you suffer from bruxism, get it checked by a professional dentist. They can recommend possible treatments to you and make you a dental nightguard. Request an appointment at Westgate dental to consult expert dentists.