Bruxism: What to Know

premier • March 15, 2022

Most people grind their teeth from time to time, which is perfectly normal. But when this grinding happens regularly, it can damage teeth and cause other health problems. Teeth grinding is also known as Bruxism. Read on to learn more.

What Causes Bruxism?

While it is still not clear what causes teeth grinding, doctors suggest the condition can come about due to a combination of physical, genetic, and psychological factors.

  • Sleep bruxism is often caused by sleep-related chewing when one is asleep.
  • Awake bruxism may be caused by stress, anger, anxiety, or tension.

Symptoms of Bruxism:

Common symptoms of teeth grinding may include:

  • Loud teeth grinding
  • Fractured and chipped teeth
  • Increased teeth sensitivity and pain
  • Pain in the face, neck, or jaws
  • Frequent sleep disruption
  • Mild headache

Risk factors of Teeth Grinding

The following factors increase your risk of teeth grinding:

  • Stress . The higher your stress levels, the more likely you will grind and clench your teeth.
  • Age. Teeth grinding is more prevalent in young children.
  • Genetic influence. Sleep bruxism is often passed on along family members.
  • Personality. Aggressive and hyperactive people are more likely to suffer from bruxism.

Treatment for Bruxism

You should see your doctor immediately if you notice any of the above symptoms. Your doctor may recommend a mouthguard to protect your teeth while you sleep. If your teeth grinding problem is stress-related, your health physician will give you options to reduce your stress levels. The health professional will also carry out an assessment to rule out other causes of tooth wear, for example, erosion.

Other helpful management tips include:

  • Reduce your caffeine intake
  • Avoid alcoholic drinks
  • Refrain from chewing on items such as pencils
  • Practice stopping the urge to clench or grind your teeth

Conclusion

If you notice the above symptoms, visit your doctor as soon as possible. Contact our trained and experienced dentists today to assess your condition and determine the right treatment options before it’s too late to reverse the damage caused.

What is Dental Rehabilitation and can I Benefit?

By premier • August 8, 2024
Your oral health greatly impacts your quality of life. Damaged teeth and gums cannot repair themselves, and often require dental rehabilitation to correct. What does dental rehabilitation involve and how could you benefit? Here’s what you need to know. What is Dental Rehabilitation? Put simply, dental or oral rehabilitation is the process of restoring your […] The post What is Dental Rehabilitation and can I Benefit? appeared first on South Holston Dental Designs.

Importance Of Regular Dental Visits

By premier • July 26, 2024
It is important to schedule annual visits with your doctors so they can monitor your health. Not only should you visit your primary doctor once a year, but the dentist as well! Regular dental visits are recommended so your dentist can keep track of your dental health. Here are three important reasons why you should […] The post Importance Of Regular Dental Visits appeared first on South Holston Dental Designs.

Children And Their Dental Care

By premier • July 17, 2024
It’s important to start building healthy habits with your children at a young age. Your child should visit the doctor at least once a year, but did you know they should do the same with their dentist? Your child’s oral care can have a great impact on their overall health. So how can you start […] The post Children And Their Dental Care appeared first on South Holston Dental Designs.

Why Soda Is Bad for Your Teeth

By premier • July 12, 2024
Today, soda is one of the most popular beverages in America. It’s inexpensive and readily available at just about every store you go to. However, it has been linked to several oral health problems. Without proper dental care, these issues can lead to tooth loss and expensive surgery. Let’s explore why soda is bad for […] The post Why Soda Is Bad for Your Teeth appeared first on South Holston Dental Designs.

Overbite: What is it and How to Correct It

By premier • July 3, 2024
More than 70 percent of people have an overbite, according to American Dental Association. While for some, the overbite may be considerably small and it is easily noticeable, others have quite the distance overbite. This can cause lots of problems, both to your oral health and the appearance of your smile. Here is everything you […] The post Overbite: What is it and How to Correct It appeared first on South Holston Dental Designs.

How To Treat Tooth Sensitivity

By premier • May 21, 2024
Though it may not seem like a big deal, tooth sensitivity can greatly impact your life. Not only does it prevent you from eating and drinking things you enjoy, but it can also point to underlying problems. Tooth Sensitivity Tooth sensitivity occurs when dentin; the layer under the enamel, is exposed. It also occurs when […] The post How To Treat Tooth Sensitivity appeared first on South Holston Dental Designs.

Avoiding TMJ Pain: Five Tips

By premier • May 15, 2024
You may not be aware, but the discomfort you sometimes feel in your temporomandibular joints (TMJ) is entirely preventable. That pain usually manifests because of inflammation, injury, or overuse, making it difficult to open and close your mouth. But we’re here to reveal some things you can do so you don’t have to live with […] The post Avoiding TMJ Pain: Five Tips appeared first on South Holston Dental Designs.

Ways of Maintaining a Healthy Mouth

By premier • May 8, 2024
An extraordinarily clean mouth involves more than squeezing paste, brushing and flossing. Since you were old enough to hold a toothbrush, you have been told to floss and brush at least twice a day. When maintaining a healthy mouth, start thinking of ways to improve your tooth brushing techniques. Do this by taking care of […] The post Ways of Maintaining a Healthy Mouth appeared first on South Holston Dental Designs.

5 Benefits of Regular Dental Cleanings

By premier • May 3, 2024
Since you brush and floss regularly, you may wonder what is the importance of regular dental cleanings. They are essential for oral health. Regular dental cleanings also play a role in your overall health and well-being. Prevention or Early Detection of Tooth Decay Brushing and flossing remove some, but not all, of the plaque that […] The post 5 Benefits of Regular Dental Cleanings appeared first on South Holston Dental Designs.

How To Care For Your Child’s Braces

By premier • April 24, 2024
Braces are an excellent way to straighten your child’s smile or fix any necessary oral issues. Your child must know how to care for their braces properly, so they don’t suffer any issues in the future. These are two things you should focus on with your child when teaching them how to take care of […] The post How To Care For Your Child’s Braces appeared first on South Holston Dental Designs.
More Posts
Share by: