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How to Address Teeth Grinding
There are many habits that can be harmful to your teeth, and one of the worst ones is grinding your teeth. While some people are aware that they grind their teeth, there are many who do not realize they do it— this is known as bruxism.
Since grinding your teeth can lead to an array of oral health issues, it’s essential to determine what’s causing you to grind them and take action to prevent further damage.
What Causes a Person to Grind Your Teeth?
Sleep Disorder
People who struggle with sleep apnea or other sleep disorders often struggle with bruxism and grind their teeth and clench their jaw while they’re sleeping.
Stress
If a person is struggling with stress or anxiety, they may find themselves clenching their jaws and grinding their teeth more often, both consciously and subconsciously. In fact, recent studies have shown that stress-related teeth grinding has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Misaligned Teeth
When teeth are not properly aligned in your mouth, your teeth have a higher chance of rubbing together.
What Happens When Teeth Grind Together?
For starters, grinding your teeth wears down the enamel, and over time, this can expose the next layer (dentin) and even nerve-endings within the tooth, causing sensitivity, among other issues. If you clench your jaw often, you can also cause your teeth to become damaged around the gum line and may experience jaw pain or popping sounds when you move your jaw.
How Do I Address Teeth Grinding?
While it can be very difficult to stop grinding your teeth entirely, especially if you do it in your sleep, there are solutions that can help. Your dentist can offer you a mouthguard that can help prevent damage to your teeth at night. Your doctor may offer advice to help curb the habit, such as lowering your caffeine intake and avoiding chewing on gum or a random object like a pen.
Oral Care in New York and New Jersey
At ProHEALTH Dental, our team of highly-trained dentists works with your doctor to help you achieve better oral and overall health. Contact us today to address your oral health issues and receive the compassionate, comprehensive care you deserve.