Do you think you might be grinding your teeth and are looking for a dentist's opinion? Have you ever woken up with a stiff or sore jaw? Do you have a dull, throbbing headache upon waking in the morning?
If so, it may be time for you to visit your dentist. Both of these scenarios are telltale signs that you are grinding your teeth while you sleep. Medically termed bruxism, grinding your teeth can lead to serious oral health issues if not addressed by your dentist.
Bruxism, commonly known as teeth grinding, is a condition in which you grind or clench your teeth. This can happen unconsciously while you are awake, or during sleep. In cases of clenching and grinding while asleep, this condition is considered a sleep-related movement disorder. It has been shown that people who have sleep bruxism are more likely to have other sleep disorders, such as snoring or sleep apnea.
If you suspect you are suffering from bruxism, there are several signs to look out for:
If you are noticing any of these signs or symptoms, the easiest way to confirm whether you are grinding your teeth is by visiting your dentist for an official diagnosis.
There are a variety of reasons why people grind their teeth. It is not entirely known what causes bruxism, but it is thought to be due to a combination of physical, psychological and genetic factors. These can include stress and anxiety, an abnormal bite, aggressive or competitive personality types, missing or crooked teeth, other family members with bruxism, or medical disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Bruxism may also be a side effect of some medications, such as certain antidepressants.
Your dentist is the first person you should visit if you suspect that you are grinding your teeth. During a dental exam, your dentist will look for signs of bruxism such as excessive wear on your teeth, including cracks, chips or loose teeth. Some options to help you reduce or eliminate grinding include:
The good news is that bruxism, or grinding your teeth, is a very treatable condition. If you suspect that you are grinding your teeth, visit your dentist as soon as possible to discuss your options for reducing or eliminating bruxism. The sooner you catch and treat this condition, the less pain and damage you will endure.
Request an appointment here: https://www.leedentistryoxford.com or call Lee Family and Cosmetic Dentistry at (662) 546-1143 for an appointment in our Oxford office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
A general dentist is the main provider of preventive and therapeutic dental services, both of which are important in maintaining oral health. You see them for routine checkups, often the first point of contact for unexpected dental problems, and the provider who refers you to dental specialists when needed. Think of them as primary care…
General dentists are the primary dental professionals people visit once or twice per year for oral health care. According to the American Dental Association, or ADA, biannual appointments are necessary to protect the integrity of your oral health, regardless of age. During these appointments, the general dentist and their team perform check-ups and recommend preventative…
A general dentist may spot signs of gum disease during a six-month checkup. Fortunately, these dental care providers can diagnose and treat gum disease of various severity levels. Whether they recommend deep cleaning or periodontal surgery, a dentist can help patients restore oral health and relieve symptoms.Gum disease, or periodontitis, is common but preventable. But…
Wondering whether it is OK to skip oral hygiene from time to time? Read on to learn from a general dentist why that is not a good idea. All general dentists preach the importance of good oral hygiene between dental cleaning visits for a reason. The long-term focus for general dentists is on helping their…
A general dentist is the main provider of preventive and therapeutic dental services, both of…
General dentists are the primary dental professionals people visit once or twice per year for…
A general dentist may spot signs of gum disease during a six-month checkup. Fortunately, these…
This article discusses the importance of oral hygiene, highlighting the risks of not following good…
More and more people want to have teeth whitening treatments. It seems that whiter, brighter…
General dentists are some of the most visited professionals in their field. The American Dental…