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Grinding your teeth may seem like a minor issue, but it can lead to serious problems for your smile. People typically grind their teeth at nights while they are sleeping. Bruxism, the word for the persistent grinding of your teeth, can also be marked by clenching the jaw during the day. The longer you have been grind your teeth, the longer you are putting the health of your smile at risk. Do you grind your teeth? If you do, do you know why? Once you know there is a problem, steps can be taken to alleviate the issue and safeguard your smile’s health and appearance.

Signs of Bruxism

Bruxism can develop as a result of stress, TMJ disorder, tooth loss, misalignment, or pain in the face or jaw. When you grind your teeth, you may notice soreness in the face or jaw, constant headaches, or pain and/or sensitivity in the teeth. Pain and sensitivity can be caused by teeth grinding because the increased friction can damage your teeth. This damage can increase your risks of developing tooth decay and further damage. If any of these possible symptoms apply to you, it is important to discuss treatment options with your dentist.

 

Lifestyle Changes and Treatment

If you are grinding your teeth, your dentist may recommend a sleeping apparatus to prevent grinding at night. The apparatus will be custom designed to fit your mouth. Small lifestyle changes or practices may also be recommended. Eliminating stress can help to eliminate the clenching of your jaw and grinding of your teeth. Chewing on hard objects, such as ice or pencils/pens or foods that are chewy or hard can exacerbate symptoms. The excessive chewing could put more wear and tear on your jaw, so avoiding these types of chewing can be helpful. Avoiding caffeine can help to minimize grinding of teeth.

Are you grinding your teeth?

Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris can help you treat bruxism. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris of Mansfield Dentist Associates in Mansfield, TX, call (817) 473-6227. We treat patients from the Mansfield, South Arlington, Kennedale, Southeast Ft. Worth, Alvarado, and Midlothian areas.