Do you ever wake up with a sore jaw and a headache? Do you find yourself clenching your jaw when you’re stressed? Bruxism, or chronic teeth grinding, is a common issue that can cause oral health issues, and even lead to tooth loss. In this post, we go over warning signs of bruxism, as well as treatment and prevention tips so you can get your oral and overall health back on track.
Warning Signs of Bruxism
- Sore jaw & temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction
- Morning headaches
- During the night, you wake your partner with grinding noises
- Damaged enamel & an increase in tooth decay
- Cracked, discolored or chipped teeth
Alleviating Bruxism
Depending on the state of your teeth, you may benefit from wearing a custom-fitted nightguard when you sleep to protect your teeth from further damage. This nightguard will not only prevent your teeth from grinding against each other, but it will also help your chewing muscles to remain relaxed. If your teeth have already suffered extensive damage and have cracks, breaks, chips, discoloration, and/or sensitivity, we can help you decide whether a restorative treatment (such as veneers, bridges, crowns, dental implants, or dentures) is a good fit for your unique needs. All of these treatments are quite different from one another, but we will work with you to figure out if one is right for you.
Preventing Bruxism
The main cause of bruxism is stress and anxiety. Stress can wreak havoc on your entire body, so it’s important to identify the cause of your stress and implement healthy ways to eliminate, or at least cope with, the source. Many patients find that exercising, maintaining a healthy diet, spending time with loved ones, enjoying nature, getting a therapy animal, and meditating are all great ways to combat stress!
Consult with Our Expert Team
Don’t let bruxism prevent you from enjoying a healthy, beautiful smile. Whether you’ve just started grinding your teeth or need help restoring your smile after long-term damage, our team at Stratman Family Dentistry is here to help you! Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
