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.
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.
If you suspect you are suffering from bruxism, there are several signs to look out for:
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.
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.
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:
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://lbfamilydental.com or call Leila Zamiri DDS at (562) 387-1216 for an appointment in our Long Beach office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Gum disease is very serious, and without treatment, it can be detrimental to one's overall health. The severity of the infection determines the treatment options. When experiencing any signs of gum disease, it can be helpful to review the following information to prepare for what to expect from the treatment process.Outlined below are four different gum…
Invisalign® clear aligners are popular for a number of reasons—one being their incredible versatility. For example, they can be removed for a couple of hours daily, allowing patients to drink coffee without worrying about staining the aligners. Read on to learn more important guidelines for using this clear aligner system for straightening teeth.The short answer…
Oral surgery involves incisions, excisions and sutures to the structures of the mouth, some of them in or around the teeth. Some oral surgeries are as common as wisdom tooth extraction. Others are as complex as cleft palate repair.The number and variety of dental surgical procedures point to specialization. For example, periodontists are the go-to…
When searching for a dentist near me, it is important to find someone who provides excellent care and makes every visit a positive experience. A great dentist combines skill, modern tools, and a patient-focused approach to help maintain and improve your oral health. Whether you need a routine checkup or a more complex procedure, choosing…
Invisalign is a leading choice when it comes to teeth straightening because it is flexible…
Gum disease is very serious, and without treatment, it can be detrimental to one's overall…
When searching for a dentist near me, it is important to find someone who provides…
Some oral surgeries are as common as wisdom tooth extraction. Others are as complex as…
A smile makeover is a process that involves one or more cosmetic dentistry procedures to…
Maintaining teeth whitening results at home requires a commitment to good oral hygiene and healthy…