The last thing you want to wake up to the in the morning is pain or soreness. A good night’s rest is meant to rejuvenate your body, not make it suffer. If you notice a soreness or pain in your jaw when you wake up, keep reading.
Your dentist thinks your jaw pain could be a result of teeth grinding. Treating this condition is very doable, as long as you tell your dentist about your symptoms.
What is Teeth Grinding and Why Does It Happen?
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is the habit of clenching your teeth tightly and rubbing them against each other. This can occur both at night and during the day, but nighttime grinding is more difficult to control since it happens while you’re asleep.
Teeth grinding can occur from stress and anxiety, but it can also occur due to an abnormal bite, missing and/or crooked teeth, and jaw nonalignment. Your dentists will be able to confirm if you’re grinding your teeth based on how your enamel is worn down. They’re also likely to recommend treatment because of the potential risks bruxism carries.
What Risks are Tied to Teeth Grinding?
Other than severe chronic headaches, teeth grinding can cause many other debilitating side effects. These include:
- Worn or cracked teeth
- Jaw and facial pain
- Earaches
If teeth grinding goes untreated for too long, teeth can be become so worn down that dental restorations may be needed, costing you more money than what it cost for a simple nightguard.
Even worse, if you’ve had previous dental work done, constantly clenching your teeth will only cause those restorations to wear down and they’ll need to be replaced sooner. To prevent this, you need to see your dentist as soon as possible so they can provide a proper oral device that protects your teeth.
How Can My Dentist Treat My Teeth Grinding?
Night guards, also referred to as mouth guards, are similar to retainers except they are larger, thicker, and designed to protect your existing teeth. The guard acts as a cushion from the force that clenching and grinding puts on your teeth, letting you sleep more soundly and wake up without discomfort.
Your dentist should be the first person you contact about teeth-grinding because they have the expertise a general practitioner might not. Not only can they create a custom-made night guard that fits your teeth exactly, they can also fix alignment issues that may exist in your jaw.
Stop jaw pain and enamel loss before it causes more damage. Contact your dentist today to stop bruxism from ruining your mornings!
About the Author
Dr. David G. Banda, DDS, earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at the University of Michigan. By continuing his education, he’s received several Fellowships, Certificates, and Diplomate awards from many institutes, including the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, and the Academy of General Dentistry. To learn more about his practice and oral appliances he offers, contact him at (248) 647-5434 or visit his website.
