Bruxism, the medical word for jaw clenching and grinding, is a frequent but sometimes ignored disorder that can significantly influence dental health. To keep your teeth and gums healthy, you must learn to control your bruxism.
Dental Caries and Wear
Regularly grinding your teeth might result in tooth sensitivity, fractures, and flattening. This is because the enamel, a protective covering on your teeth, gradually wears away.
Pain in the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)
At the temporomandibular joint, your jaw moves in tandem with your skull. The TMJ is overworked due to bruxism. You may find that popping sounds, restricted jaw movement, and discomfort are some health issues that might result from this.
Declining Gum Health and Missing Teeth
The risk of gum recession increases when your teeth grind against one another over long periods. Teeth can become loose and even fall out in extreme circumstances if this continues over time.
Nose and Face Ache
Bruxism is associated with a wide range of painful symptoms, including frequent headaches, facial discomfort, and earaches. The muscles related to grinding are always tense and strained, which leads to these symptoms.
Potential Reasons and Hazards
Stress, anxiety, an irregular bite, missing or misaligned teeth, and sleep difficulties are among the many potential causes of bruxism. While some subconsciously grind their teeth while sleeping, others may do it when awake.
Dealing with Bruxism
One way to prevent tooth wear and tear from nighttime grinding is to wear a custom-fitted mouthguard. Stress is a typical trigger for bruxism; techniques like exercise, therapy, and meditation can help lessen it.
Dental Hygiene
Bruxism can be alleviated by addressing underlying dental disorders like misplaced teeth. You can ease the pressure on your jaw and teeth by consuming less hard or chewy food.
Contact our dental office for an accurate evaluation and treatment plan if you think you may be grinding your teeth. Minimizing the impact of bruxism and preserving a healthy, pain-free smile is possible with proper care.
Our Dental Blog | Smiles of Tulsa - Dentist in Tulsa, OK Corbyn VanBrunt, DDS has created this informative blog to help educate the community. Click here to learn more about home care, procedures and more! Smiles of Tulsa, 6565 S. Yale Ave., Ste. 1103, Tulsa, OK 74136 - (918) 891-3059 - smilesoftulsa.com - 3/22/2025 - Page Terms:Preventive Dentistry Tulsa OK -
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Bruxism, the medical word for jaw clenching and grinding, is a frequent but sometimes ignored disorder that can significantly influence dental health. To keep your teeth and gums healthy, you must learn to control your bruxism.