Going To The Dentist: Correcting Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding, or bruxism as it is known in the medical field, can be corrected with a trip to the dentist. Many people suffer from this condition and do not even know it. This can lead to the wearing away of the enamel and other problems, both oral and otherwise. Here are some questions and answers about teeth grinding.

Teeth grinding, or bruxism as it is known in the medical field, can be corrected with a trip to the dentist. Many people suffer from this condition and do not even know it. Naturally, everyone will grind their teeth occasionally for one reason or another and have nothing to worry about. Bruxism comes about when it is happening night after night when the person is asleep. This can lead to the wearing away of the enamel and other problems, both oral and otherwise. Here are some questions and answers about teeth grinding.

Why Does It Happen?

There are a number of factors that can lead to grinding. Stress is usually one of the factors contributing to the development of the condition. People who stop smoking often find themselves with grinding problems for a while. Anxiety can also be a contributing factor. However, sometimes the problem isn’t outside factors, but rather the teeth themselves. Those with crooked teeth or a misaligned bite will often grind their teeth at night.

How Do You Know When You Are Doing It?

Of course, teeth grinding can be a tricky thing. A dentist may diagnose it based on what he sees when he examines your teeth during a checkup. You may never know yourself, as you are doing it only in your sleep. If you sleep with someone else, they may be the first people to notice it, hearing it while you are fast asleep. If you wake up with soreness in your jaw or a consistent headache, you could be looking at symptoms.

How Bad Is It?

In other words, is it important to see your dentist if you suspect bruxism? Some cases are mild and mean little in terms of oral health. However, a bad case of bruxism can mean bad things for your teeth. It can lead to tooth fracture and even the loss of teeth in some cases. There have been cases where people have actually ground away so much enamel that their teeth were taken down to stubs. Obviously, this is nothing you want to deal with, so it is important to begin treatment as soon as possible.

What Can Be Done?

First, you should see your dentist and make use of any available professional treatments. Other than that, there are some behavioral changes you can make to reduce the frequency and impact of your grinding. These include cutting back on caffeine, avoiding alcoholic drinks, and making a concerted effort to avoid grinding your teeth when you are awake. You may also want to eliminate chewing gum from your daily intake, as this can lead your brain and mouth to get used to the sensation of chewing even when there is no food to be had.