Teeth grinding, also known as Bruxism, is a condition where the person grinds their teeth while awake or during sleep, which could lead to further consequences depending on severity.
Bruxism may be the underlying reason for some of your dental issues, especially since it may only happen while you’re asleep, so you may end up not being aware of it unless it leads to a major problem.
So What are the signs you should look out for when it comes to teeth grinding?
Keep in mind that getting invisible braces in Dubai is always an option for those who want beautiful straight teeth and better dental health.
1- Teeth Grinding Symptoms and Signs
There are many reasons associated with Bruxism, here are a few:
- Loud clenching of teeth: It can be loud enough to disturb anyone who is sleeping next to you.
- Damaged teeth: Common issues may be flattened, fractured, loose, and/or chipped teeth.
- Exposed tooth: Due to the lengthened periods of grinding and clenching of teeth, you may notice layers of your enamel eroding, exposing deeper layers.
- Sensitive teeth: Due to enamel erosion, teeth may become more sensitive and painful, because of the increased exposure.
- Jaw issues: You may notice a tight jaw that doesn’t open or close completely, as well as tired and sore jaw muscles. You may also notice a clicking noise whenever you open or close your jaw.
- Long periods of Bruxism may lead to jaw and neck pain as well as facial soreness.
- Ear pain: Teeth grinding may cause discomfort in the ear, but you should check it out with your doctor to exclude any ear problems.
- Headaches: Add headaches to the list of mysterious pains caused by teeth grinding. Bruxism headaches usually start at the temples, due to the constant tension on the jaw bone.
- Damaged cheeks: Constant grinding of the teeth may cause the insides of your cheeks to wear down, as the flesh may get caught in the constant chewing motion and cause pain in the area.
- Disturbed Sleep: You may notice that you wake up during the night from pain or discomfort in your jaw.
If you notice any of these signs and they don’t have other apparent reasons, it is a good idea to talk about your concerns regarding teeth grinding.
But, why do we grind our teeth? And why is it an issue?
If you’re after the perfect smile, you can get the best teeth whitening in Dubai for quick results and an enhanced appearance.
2- Reasons for Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)
The causes of teeth grinding are not 100% clear. However, doctors do associate the disorder with physical, physiological, and sometimes genetic circumstances:
- People who grind their teeth often suffer from stress or anxiety as well. The constant stress on the body leads to continuous clenching of the jaw muscles.
- Certain medications, such as a type of antidepressant known as SSRIs or Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
- Smoking, consuming large amounts of alcohol and caffeine, and taking drugs may also be the underlying cause of bruxism.
- Sleep problems like snoring and sleep apnea have also been associated with teeth grinding in many cases.
Bruxism may also be a coping strategy to deal with anger, frustration, and tension. It can also be a habit that forms during deep concentration.
-
Additional Risk Factors for Bruxism:
These factors don’t necessarily cause bruxism, but they do increase the risk of you suffering from teeth grinding:
- Age: The two age groups most affected by bruxism are children and teenagers, so if you are from any of the two, you’re more likely to suffer from grinding of teeth.
- Stress: As mentioned above, stress, anger, and any emotional distress may lead to intense repeated jaw clenching.
- Personality type: Aggressive and hyperactive people are more likely to suffer from the disorder.
- Other disorders: Teeth grinding may be linked to mental health and medical disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease, dementia, epilepsy, ADHD, and night terrors.
3- Bruxism Treatments
Solutions for teeth grinding vary from one person to the other, which is why it is crucial to refer to your dentist and/or General practitioner before you proceed with any treatment.
With that being said, here are a few common ways people cope with bruxism:
-
Mouth Guards and Splints
Many people who suffer from sleep bruxism resort to mouth guards and splints to protect their teeth during sleep.
The constant grinding can take a negative toll on the structure of the tooth, and the mouth guard provides an extra layer of protection between the jaws.
-
Botox
Botox is also another common solution to handle teeth grinding, but it is often considered a last resort.
A simple injection in the jaw muscles may help people who were unable to find peace of mind through other means.
-
Treating the Issue
As simple as it sounds. When the cause of the problem is apparent, it becomes much easier to solve.
For example, if stress and anxiety are confirmed as the root cause of your bruxism, your doctor may suggest solving these separate issues with the help of a professional to reduce or eradicate your dental problem.
Always remember, it is better to consult with a professional to choose the options that suit you best.
Eufloria dispensary consultants are trained to listen to the clients, identify particular ailments or experiences, and offer medicinal-focused recommendations to help. We believe that a satisfied client starts with an educated one and our goal is to treat people above and beyond selling products.
