Do You Grind Your Teeth at Night?

If you have ever noticed upon waking that your teeth and jaws are sore, you may be grinding your teeth in your sleep. The technical term for this phenomenon is bruxism, which is explained as, "the rhythmic clenching of the jaws and grinding together of the teeth." According to the Colgate Oral Care Center, this activity can develop at any age. For most folks this activity takes place at night, however, some may do it unconsciously when they are awake. It can begin as a habit that involves placing the teeth together and lightly clenching the muscles of the jaws. Those who become deeply engrossed in certain tasks may be prone to this activity. Colgate's analysts report that, "This is commonly associated with the daytime tasks of lifting heavy objects, driving, reading and writing."

4 Bad Habits That Damage Your Teeth

Let's be honest - we all probably have at least one or two bad habits. We're human, after all. But did you know that there are some habits that, while they may seem harmless, are actually very harmful to our teeth and overall dental health?

In this post, we'll review a few of these bad habits and how they can wreak havoc on your pearly whites!

What is TMJ?

TMJ is an acronym for Temporomandibular joint disorder, and if left untreated can be a very uncomfortable and serious disorder.

What are the symptoms of TMJ?

Also referred to as TMD, this disorder is characterized by the chronic inflammation of the temporomandibular joint, or the joint which connects the jaw to the skull.

What To Do If You Grind Your Teeth At Night

Many people grind their teeth or clench their jaw from time to time. However, teeth grinding and jaw clenching can be very damaging if it is done for an extended period of time.

Medically known as bruxism, teeth grinding is a fairly common problem. Most people do it unknowingly while they are asleep. This condition can cause an eventual wearing down of the tooth surface or in severe cases, loosening and cracking of teeth. If left untreated, chronic teeth grinding can lead to the teeth being worn down to the gum line. In these cases, bridges, crowns, root canals or implants may be needed to restore the patient's teeth.

Additionally, bruxism can lead to jaw problems such as TMD/TMJ. This can even lead to hearing loss and a change in your facial appearance.

Thankfully, bruxism can be easy to combat by wearing a protective mouth guard during the night. If you aren't sure whether or not you grind your teeth at night, contact us to schedule an appointment: 919-782-0548. We will examine your mouth and jaw for signs of bruxism, which can include jaw tenderness and abnormalities in your teeth.

One of the leading causes of teeth grinding is stress and anxiety. If you suspect your teeth grinding is a result of emotional stress, talk to your doctor or contact us about stress relief treatments. Some suggestions a doctor may provide are anti-anxiety medication, muscle relaxers or perhaps counseling if you are dealing with something particularly traumatic or stressful.

Other tips for avoiding bruxism:

• Cut back on caffeine and avoid alcohol. Research suggests that grinding intensifies after consuming these substances.
• Avoid chewing gum. Chewing gum essentially gets your mouth "in the habit" of clenching your jaw.
• Be aware of your jaw during the day. If you find yourself clenching or grinding throughout the day, try positioning the tip of your tongue between your teeth. This practice trains your jaw muscles to relax.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Dehydration may be linked to bruxism.
• Try to reduce your stress level, especially before bed. Do something that relaxes you before falling asleep. Avoid exercising or working right before bedtime.

For more information or to seek treatment for bruxism or TMJ, contact Dr. Simon Melcher at 919-782-0548

Is Your Pain Caused By TMJ?

Pain in your face, jaw, neck, and shoulders. Headaches. Bite problems. Popping sounds when opening and closing your mouth. Difficulty opening the mouth. All of these symptoms which can range from discomforting to debilitating can be caused by TMJ, or Temporomandibular Joint Disorder. The good news is that TMJ is treatable, and at Implant & General Dentistry we have many treatment options available.

What is TMJ?

TMJ is acute or chronic inflammation of the joint connecting the lower jaw and the skull. Some of the potential causes include an injury to the muscles in the jaw, head, or neck; teeth grinding or other action exerting a great deal of pressure on the joint (sometimes attributed to stress); or arthritis in the joint.

TMJ Treatments

We have several options when it comes to treating TMJ. These range from noninvasive approaches such as bite splints and bite guards, to medication, to more extensive procedures such as restorative dentistry or adjusting the bite. The recommended course of action will depend on the severity of the disorder and the cause.

To learn more or to schedule an appointment call Implant and General Dentistry today at 919-782-0548.