Many people may grind and clench their teeth from time to time, which typically doesn't present a reason to worry. Bruxism, on the other hand, is a more serious condition in which you grind, gnash or clench your teeth on a regular basis. If you grind your teeth, you may unconsciously clench your teeth together during the day or grind them at night. Your bruxism can be mild and may not require treatment. Unfortunately, it can be frequent and severe enough to lead to jaw disorders, headaches, damaged teeth and other dental problems. Since bruxism may occur while you are sleeping, you may be unaware of it until complications develop. It is important to know the signs and symptoms of bruxism and to seek regular dental care from your Grosse Pointe dentist. Causes and Symptoms Occurring frequently in your sleep, it is often difficult to recognize if you have bruxism. Some teeth become so worn that the enamel comes off which then exposes the inside of the tooth causing extreme sensitivity. Many people report pain in their jaw that can produce popping or clicking noises. Additionally, as a result of excessive clenching, a key indicator of bruxism can be indentation on the tongue. Other symptoms include: A grinding sound at night Headaches/Migraines Occasional swelling on the side of your lower jaw Painful jaw joint Long-lasting pain in the face Damaged teeth, broken dental fillings and injured gums According to the Academy of General Dentistry, if you bite your fingernails when you are stressed, chew on a pencil or clench you jaw during sports competitions, you could be at a greater risk for bruxism. Migraine Therapy If you grind your teeth while sleeping, you may develop an array of other problems in addition to dental complications. A migraine can render you helpless in a matter of moments. Suffering from bruxism, you may notice jaw pain, flattened teeth, and neck pain in addition to your headaches. Your dentist will be able to tell you if you grind your teeth just by looking at them. Bruxism can be easily treated by wearing a plastic mouth guard at night when you sleep. By fitting your mouth with a dental appliance, your teeth are able to realign properly, making it so that your teeth rest normally with your joint back in position. After using a dental appliance, your mouth can then be fitted for a mouth guard, which will continue to allow your teeth to be properly aligned. This will also further help in preventing migraines and headaches because the constant grinding of your teeth will no longer lead to jaw pain. If you are exhibiting headaches or jaw pain, visit your Grosse Pointe cosmetic dentist for further treatment and diagnosis. Your dentist will be able to examine your mouth for signs of teeth grinding and recommend a proper dental device to realign your mouth.
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