Do You Grind Your Teeth?

You may grind your teeth and not even know it – but years of bruxism (the medical term for tooth grinding) can cause serious issues with your oral and general health. Here is some information on some signs that you may grind your teeth, the problems this can cause, and how your dentist can help.

Why Do People Grind Their Teeth?

Everyone grinds their teeth occasionally, but it becomes a real problem when you do it all the time. You might do it in the middle of the day when you are under stress, or you might do it in the middle of the night and only know that you do it because your partner can hear it as they are trying to sleep (yes, it can get that loud). You might not know that you grind your teeth until you go to your dentist and he or she tells you that your teeth are damaged.

Tooth grinding can wear down the tooth enamel and can even cause chips or cracks in teeth, and it can also result in headaches, jaw pain, ear pain, and muscle aches in the neck and shoulders. There are different reasons that people grind their teeth:

• Dental issues. If you are missing a tooth, your teeth are crooked, or your bite is misaligned, it can contribute to tooth grinding.
• Sleep issues. Bruxism can be related to sleep issues such as sleep apnea.
• Mental health issues. Tooth grinding seems to be one way the body tries to deal with stress and anxiety.

What Can You Do About Bruxism?

The best treatment for bruxism depends on why you grind your teeth. You might want to find effective ways to deal with stress, see your dentist for help with dental issues, or talk to your doctor about medication such as muscle relaxants. Your dentist may also suggest a mouth guard.

Bruxism is not only painful; it can lead to serious dental issues. Don’t wait to get help if you think you grind your teeth – contact Pacific Northwest Smiles today! Call the office in Mill Creek, Washington, at 425-357-6400 to make an appointment.

How Can Your Dentist Check for Teeth Grinding?

You may not notice yourself grinding your teeth, especially if it happens while you sleep. At Pacific Northwest Smiles, Dr. Darren Greenhalgh can examine your teeth for unusual wear, chips, or cracks and check for signs of jaw discomfort. Based on the findings and your symptoms, he can discuss whether a custom night guard or further evaluation may help protect your teeth.

Because teeth grinding often happens without patients realizing it, explaining the signs of bruxism is an important part of dental care. The Dental Marketing Secrets Podcast explores how dental professionals make these conversations easier to understand and help patients recognize when further care may be needed.