Family Dentist in Metairie, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70001

About Teeth Grinding

Do you think you might be grinding your teeth but you aren’t quite sure? If so, you are not alone. Many people who grind or clench their teeth are doing it unconsciously or in their sleep and are therefore unaware they are doing it until problems start to arise.

Teeth grinding or clenching, also called Bruxism, is when you are clenching your teeth tightly together or sliding them back and forth together. If you have a problem with grinding your teeth at night it may be harder to control but staying informed about the condition can help.

What causes teeth grinding?

Experts still don’t completely agree when it comes to the cause of teeth grinding but some suspected causes are:

  • Stress
  • Anxiety
  • Frustration
  • Anger

What are the symptoms of teeth grinding?

The symptoms of teeth grinding can be different depending on how mild or severe your case is but following are some signs you can look for.

  • Earache
  • Headache
  • Facial pain
  • Cheek damage
  • Tooth damage
  • Tooth sensitivity
  • Tired jaw

If you have some of these symptoms, you may be grinding your teeth. If you are grinding your teeth at night, and you don’t sleep alone, you may be disturbing your partner, so ask if he/she is hearing you grind your teeth in your sleep.

What can you do about it?

If you have mild or no symptoms from grinding your teeth, you probably don’t have to worry about it at all. If your symptoms are more severe, you will want to find a solution. Severe symptoms can cause permanent damage to your teeth and eventually lead to jaw disorders. These are some options to help you get past grinding your teeth.

  • See your dentist right away if you suspect you are grinding your teeth.
  • Your dentist may recommend a mouth guard to prevent further damage to your teeth.
  • If you think grinding may be stress related you should treat the cause. Employ stress relieving techniques so you won’t grind when you fall asleep.
  • Modify your behavior. Practice correct jaw placement.

Don’t worry; if you discover you are a closet teeth grinder, your dentist can help you find the solution that best fits the cause of your nighttime grinding.