Teeth Grinding And It's Effects On Your Teeth

            Grinding ones’ teeth is more common than most people think. Our office routinely sees patients with chronic teeth problems due to grinding. Stress, sleep disorders, and tooth misalignment are the main causes of teeth grinding. However, there are a variety of options to help alleviate the symptoms of

grinding as well as reversing the urge to grind one's teeth.

The most common time our patients grind their teeth is while sleeping. This can be the hardest time to diagnose teeth grinding as the person is asleep and will not be able to tell, however, if you are waking up with headaches or jaw soreness, you are probably grinding your teeth. With night grinders we usually recommend wearing a mouthguard. We have custom orthodontic mouthguards that are not as bulky as the mouthguards you would find at your local sporting goods store, however, you could wear one of those mouthguards it just might be a little uncomfortable. Some studies have shown an increase in teeth grinding with those who snore. Wearing a mouthguard can not only help stop someone from grinding but also can realign the jaw and alleviate snoring as well.

If you have tried a mouthguard on your own and your symptoms still persist, it might be time to see a dentist. Misaligned teeth, such as an overbite, can cause someone to grind their teeth. Teeth grinding in children is very common as their jaws are continually growing and changing shape. Using various orthodontic appliances a dentist can reverse an overbite.

Teeth grinding that goes untreated can cause someone extensive dental problems. Tooth sensitivity is the most common concern, as the enamel (the hard surface of the tooth) will be worn down. This will expose the nerves of the tooth and cause pain and sensitivity to hot and cold liquids. As the tooth’s enamel is compromised, the tooth will also become more susceptible to cavities. Another cause for concern is temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain. This is the ligament that attaches the lower jaw bone to the skull. If this ligament becomes strained, it can cause pain while eating or talking and could lead to a dislocated jaw. This is obviously an extreme case of TMJ, however, if you are experiencing these symptoms you should have a dentist evaluate your concerns as they will not just go away, but only get worse.

Jackson Family Dentistry is here to help you and your family with all of your dental concerns. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort from teeth grinding give our staff a call. We will be able to give you treatment options and help you maintain a healthy smile.