Many people develop the habit of teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, without ever recognizing it. For a number of reasons, grinding your teeth can be harmful. Make an appointment to visit us if you or your child has been experiencing teeth grinding problems. We will evaluate the tooth damage and work with you to find remedies. What you should know about tooth grinding is provided below.
Why Do We Grind Our Teeth?
There is no one cause of teeth grinding. Instead, it might happen for a variety of causes. Potential causes include anxiety and stress, bad teeth, and sleep difficulties. When you bite or chew, your teeth may rub against one another if they are not properly aligned. Numerous people clench their teeth without even being aware of it.
According to research published in the American Dental Association Journal, drinking alcohol and smoking both cause more teeth grinding. In fact, bruxism was shown to be twice as common in smokers and drinkers as it was in non-users of these substances.
What Grinding Does Your Teeth
Your teeth are damaged, become more sensitive, and may even get looser as a result of grinding. Teeth are similar to bones. They may fracture or break, and grinding has been linked to both problems. Your teeth may get flattened as a result of frequent rubbing. In addition to harming your teeth, grinding makes you more prone to developing other issues in the future. Grinding can cause headaches and jaw pain in addition to harming your teeth. It may be a sign that you grind or clench your teeth while you sleep if you frequently wake up with a sore, fatigued jaw.
What We Can Do
If grinding is an issue for you, make an appointment to see your Dentist at Seablue Dental Clinic of Kent. We shall first determine the degree of any damage that may have already resulted from grinding. After that, we will collaborate with you to find a solution that will maintain the strength and health of your teeth. In certain circumstances, we might advise putting on a mouth guard at night to stop your teeth from rubbing against one another. Finding measures to lessen tension and anxiety will take precedence if your grinding is brought on by stress, despite the fact that doing so can be difficult. Adults are more likely than children to experience stress. Inadequate alignment is the main reason why children grind their teeth.
If grinding your teeth has become an issue, please do not wait until it leads to sensitivity and pain. Schedule an appointment to see us for an evaluation and treatment plan. Our professional Kent dental team will work with you to address the cause of your grinding, and determine a solution that will protect your teeth from any further damage!