Categories: General Dentist

A Dentist Explains How to Know Whether You Grind Your Teeth

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.

What is bruxism?

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.

How to tell if you grind your teeth

If you suspect you are suffering from bruxism, there are several signs to look out for:

  • Tight or sore jaw muscles
  • Flattened teeth
  • Cracked, chipped, or loose teeth
  • Tooth pain or sensitivity
  • Dull, achy pain around your ears or temples
  • Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, clicking or grinding when opening your mouth

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.

Causes of teeth grinding

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.

How can your dentist help?

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:

  • Wearing a mouth guard to protect your teeth
  • Wearing a splint, which keeps your teeth separated
  • Wearing a Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD) to keep your jaw in a fixed position
  • Avoid alcohol — alcohol has been shown to intensify grinding during sleep
  • Cut back on or avoid foods that contain caffeine
  • Use stress management techniques
  • Behavioral therapy — training yourself to hold your jaw and mouth in a position to avoid grinding

The good news

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://landmarkdentalnashua.com or call Landmark Dental Care at (603) 882-7312 for an appointment in our Nashua office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

Recent Posts

How Often Should You Visit A General Dentist?

As a general rule, you should visit a general dentist every four to six months for check-ups and cleaning visits. You may need more frequent visits (or additional visits) if there are specific oral health concerns to address (i.e., dental trauma, cavities, etc.). This review discusses how frequently you should visit a general dentist and…

How General Dentists Detect And Treat Common Dental Problems

Though we go to our general dentist all the time, one thing that not everyone considers is the fact that the dentist is the one that handles most of our oral health issues. How is it that one dentist is responsible for treating and diagnosing so many of our problems without the help of specialists…

How Can I Find The Right Family Dentist Near Me?

Finding the right family dentist now is a good step to take for your family. That way if you or another family member have a dental problem that requires immediate care, you will be prepared and will not waste time looking. It can seem overwhelming to decide on a dentist with so many choices available…

How A General Dentist May Restore A Damaged Tooth

Wondering what a general dentist suggests for a damaged tooth? Read on to learn more. Damage to teeth can result from decay, accidents, medications, and various health conditions. Repairing a tooth is crucial for maintaining good oral and overall health.When a patient visits the dental office for a damaged tooth, their general dentist will evaluate…

Dr. Harvey Weener

Share
Published by
Dr. Harvey Weener

Recent Posts

How Often Should You Visit a General Dentist?

As a general rule, you should visit a general dentist every four to six months…

6 days ago

How General Dentists Detect and Treat Common Dental Problems

Though we go to our general dentist all the time, one thing that not everyone…

2 weeks ago

How Can I Find the Right Family Dentist Near Me?

A family dentist needs to be able to address everything from young children to elderly…

3 weeks ago

How a General Dentist May Restore a Damaged Tooth

Wondering what a general dentist suggests for a damaged tooth? Read on to learn more.…

3 weeks ago

What a General Dentist Can Do for Teeth Grinding

Clenching and grinding the teeth, also known as bruxism, can wear them down and cause…

4 weeks ago

Can a General Dentist Fix a Broken Tooth?

A broken tooth can be distressing, especially if you do not know where to turn…

1 month ago