Many people experience teeth grinding, which is medically known as Bruxism. According to research, 8-10% of every population experience it. Bruxism is a common condition characterized by the chronic grinding or clenching of teeth. You can tell by how a person cramps their jaw muscles and holds their teeth together during the day or at night.
Although it is not life-threatening and happens
instinctively, teeth grinding can prove extremely difficult to live with and, if not treated promptly, might lead to other medical conditions. While teeth grinding is often said to be a sleep disorder, it may also happens when you are awake.
Symptoms of Teeth Grinding
Noisy Grinding
If you or a loved one makes noisy grinding sounds when asleep, it may be time to see a health professional. When teeth grinding in sleep begins to get so loud that it keeps whoever is around you awake, it is a sign that it is getting out of control.
Impaired teeth
Sometimes, teeth grinding worsens to the extent that it causes your teeth to be fractured, chipped, or flattened. When this happens, it puts your oral health at risk, as such, it may be time to consult with an orthodontist.
Pain
A sign that teeth grinding has worsened is the pain it causes to the head. If you are experiencing head-to-ear aches, jaw and neck pain, or soreness, you will need to talk to an orthodontist. Severe bruxism may also cause locked jaws, sleep disruption, inability to chew correctly, and facial pain.
Causes of Teeth Grinding
Even though many people experience teeth grinding, the cause is not explicitly known, and the condition is not so well understood. While this is true, research shows that Bruxism occurs due to the combination of different factors like anxiety, stress, and sleep problems.
Teeth grinding has also been proven to be caused by a lack of certain minerals in the human body, minerals like magnesium and calcium, and in certain health disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease.
When to See an Orthodontist for Your Teeth Grinding
If you or a loved one have suspected a teeth-grinding problem, you will need to see an orthodontist. Lifestyle changes such as cutting back on chewy foods and candy may be helpful, but a qualified professional must create a well-rounded treatment plan for your treatment.
If you have only recently developed this problem, you may be able to find a simple solution but if it is long-standing, you will need professional care so that the health of your teeth does not get impacted. This is especially true if your teeth grinding has begun to cause your temples to ache and your jaw to feel heavy. When teeth grinding worsens to the extent that it is affecting your sleep or that of your partner, it is essential to get treatment for it.
At Beauty Smile Orthodontics, we provide orthodontic solutions for every member of the family. Whether it is you or your child that suffers from bruxism, we can work with you to create a personalized treatment plan. We will help ensure that this does not impact your health and the beauty of your smile. Contact us today.