Many of us know there are certain habits we should avoid, in order to keep our teeth bright and healthy. Smoking cigarettes, drinking too much coffee or wine, and eating too many sugary foods can cause staiing and cavities. But one of the most damaging habits to teeth often goes completely unnoticed. It’s habitual teeth grinding, which is called bruxism, and because most sufferers of bruxism do so at night, many people don’t even know they’re struggling with it.
How Can I Tell If I Might Have Bruxism?
Common warning signs of bruxism include waking up with headaches, excessive wear on the teeth, especially along the edges, and heightened tooth sensitivity. Jaw pain is another common symptom of bruxism, but in some cases issues with the jaw’s muscles, such as TMJ, might actually be part of the cause of teeth grinding.
Anxiety and stress are other common factors associated with teeth grinding, both at night and often subconsciously during the day. While it might be impossible to completely rid your life of stress, finding healthy coping mechanisms can be helpful.
What Can I Do to Help Protect My Teeth?
Ibuprofen or other over-the-counter pain relievers can bring temporary relief from the discomfort associated with teeth grinding. However, if you think there’s a chance you’re grinding your teeth at night, or if you notice yourself grinding your teeth during stressful situations, you should consult us immediately.
As dentists, there are several steps we can take to help address the bruxism, including using bruxism appliances, to prevent further wear to your teeth. We also offer restorative treatments that can help improve the appearance of your smile if it’s already been damaged by grinding. Some patients might find that orthodontia would be helpful in addressing alignment issues that could be an underlying cause of their bruxism.
ABOUT YOUR DOWNEY, CA, DENTISTS:
Dr. Hadis Reyhani, Dr. Ben Reyhani, and Dr. Pasha Hakimzadeh, DDS, provide a wealth of combined experience, along with innovative technology and personalized care, to help improve our patients’ dental health so they can enjoy smiling again. To schedule a consultation, call Downey Family Cosmetic Dentistry today at 562-472-2433.
