Do you grind your teeth at night? If so, you may have bruxism. Bruxism is a condition that causes people to grind their teeth and clench their jaw involuntarily. It can lead to a number of problems, including worn enamel, damaged teeth, tooth sensitivity, pain, and sleep problems. Luckily, there is treatment available for bruxism. In this blog post, we will discuss how to tell if you have bruxism and what treatments are available.
What is Bruxism?
First things first, we need to define bruxism. Bruxism is a condition that causes people to grind their teeth and clench their jaw involuntarily. It can occur during the day or at night, but most people do not realize they are doing it. In many cases, bruxism occurs at night while sleeping. Bruxism is often caused by stress or anxiety, but it can also be caused by other factors, such as sleep apnea or misaligned teeth.
What are the Symptoms of Bruxism?
Since most cases of bruxism occur at night while sleeping, it can be hard to know if you are a bruxer or not. However, one effective way to tell is by looking for symptoms. There are a number of symptoms that can indicate you have bruxism. These include:
Worn enamel
If you notice that your teeth are looking more worn than usual, it could be a sign that you are grinding your teeth at night. For example, if the grooves and pits of your molars are becoming flatter, then this could indicate that you are a bruxer.
Damaged teeth
Teeth grinding can also cause significant damage to your teeth. If you notice that your teeth are cracked, chipped, or broken, and you cannot account for a reason why, then it is likely because of bruxism.
Tooth sensitivity
Bruxism can also lead to tooth sensitivity. If you are experiencing pain when drinking hot or cold beverages, it may be a sign that you are a bruxer. However, tooth sensitivity can have a number of causes, so it is important that you discuss this with your dentist to determine what is causing your sensitivity.
Pain
Grinding your teeth can also cause pain in your jaw, head, or neck. If you are experiencing any of these types of pain, it could be a sign that you have bruxism. Another common location for pain is inside the ear canal, just above the jaw joint. In some cases, you may also experience tinnitus, or a ringing in your ears.
Sleep problems
Bruxism can also lead to sleep problems. People who grind their teeth at night may have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. If you are having difficulty sleeping or are waking up feeling not well rested, it could be due to bruxism.
How is bruxism treated?
One of the most common treatments for bruxism is wearing a night guard. A night guard is a mouthguard that you wear while you sleep. It protects your teeth and jaw from grinding and clenching. If you think you may have bruxism, talk to your dentist about whether a night guard is right for you.
If you think you may have bruxism, don’t wait to get treatment. The sooner you start treatment, the better. If you have any questions about bruxism or night guards, please feel free to contact us. We would be happy to help! Thank you for reading.
Dr. Sadati possesses extensive experience in all aspects of advanced restorative dentistry, with an emphasis in cosmetic and implant dentistry. He has attained Accredited Fellow status in the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), the most rigorous, demanding credentialing process in the world. He is the only AACD Accredited Fellow in South Florida.
