Do you find yourself waking up with a sore jaw? Headaches? Maybe your teeth are more sensitive than normal? You may be suffering from teeth grinding or bruxism, and it is no joke! There are plenty of reasons why people start grinding their teeth, such as physical, psychological, and even pre-genetic factors, but our team at Access Dental wants to go over a few causes and also list a few dental treatments in MO, that you can seek to help with grinding your teeth.
To find out more about the causes and treatments of bruxism- keep reading below!
What Causes Teeth Grinding?
Of course, there is no one straight answer here, as teeth grinding can occur for a multitude of reasons and tend to differ from person-to-person. Some of the more commonly noted reasons for why teeth grinding occurs are:
-Stress/Other Psychological Factors
-Sleep Apnea
-Acid Reflux
-Tobacco, Illicit Drug, and Alcohol Usage
-Caffeine
-Genetic Factors
The Impact of Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding can lead to a whirlwind of problems, including sore jaw, headaches, sensitive teeth, broken or chipped teeth, and even TMJ- which is when the muscles of the jaw are prevented from chewing/opening and closing properly, leading to a clicking sound and discomfort when trying to chew, talk, etc.
As one can imagine, the impacts of teeth grinding can be detrimental in one's daily life, as the pain and discomfort can grow to an unbearable breaking point, which is when it is probably best to visit your local Missouri dentist office to get a check-up.
Treatments for Teeth Grinding
Luckily, teeth grinding can be treated both at home and with the assistance of a dental professional. Some of the more common treatments include:
-Medication: Typically this will include a form of muscle relaxers to help ease your jaw and prevent grinding throughout the night. If you take antidepressants, your dentist may recommend a switch to one that does not cause bruxism, or if you aren't currently on medication, your dentist may recommend trying an antidepressant that does not have the added risk of teeth grinding.
-Behavior Changes: One way to help prevent and put a stop to your teeth grinding is finding out the behaviors that may be contributing to your teeth grinding and work with a professional on breaking those habits.
-Bite Guards: Bite guards are a great way to help begin the process of stopping teeth grinding, as the guard prevents the damage that your teeth would otherwise be receiving.
-Being Aware: Now, when you sleep, you won't be able to notice if and when you are grinding your teeth, but when you are awake, it is important to stay cognizant about whether you are grinding, and if so, learning to unclench and relax your jaw.
Of course, you can always reach out to your local dental office in Missouri and get other recommendations as well!
Teeth grinding can be a real pain for both your teeth and your physical and mental wellbeing. But, now that you have a better understanding of the causes and treatments of bruxism, you know what to look for.
If you have any questions, or feel like you need to see one of our dental experts at Access Dental, then please reach out to us on our website, www.accessdentalanddentures.com.
We want to be your dentist because your family deserves a great smile!
1-877-DENTIST
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