Biting your nails, tapping a table with your fingers and fidgeting are all habits that many people share. They’re simply movements that occur when you’re thinking, actively bored or nervous about a situation. Grinding your teeth may be a habit also. If you notice teeth grinding as a regular occurrence in your life, it’s time to pay careful attention to it. The grinding action can damage your teeth. At 3V Dental Associates, a Port Washington NY dentist, patients often ask why they might grind their teeth and how they can prevent teeth grinding in the future. Let’s explore a bit more below…
Stress and Anxiety May Cause You to Grind Your Teeth
A common cause for teeth grinding is stress or anxiety. In today’s fast-paced world, there’s more stress than ever before. You might unconsciously clench your jaw and grind your teeth.
When this reaction is irregular, there’s no real need to worry. Serious treatment isn’t necessary because it’s more of a harmless habit. People who’re diagnosed with anxiety, however, may experience a different scenario.
People who’re constantly stressed out might find themselves with clenched jaws every day. The teeth cannot deal with that much force on the enamel. A prevention plan must be put into action. Ask your dentist how you can prevent teeth grinding. A common, non-invasive solution might be using a mouth guard, but it’s always best to check with your dentist first to ensure the teeth grinding is not related to something more severe.
Bruxism Diagnosis
If you’re noticing symptoms that point to teeth grinding, you may have an ailment called Bruxism. This term simply defines the activity of grinding your teeth as a real disease. You may not even notice that you’re clenching your jaw in the first place. For this reason, people who find themselves in this predicament should seek out treatment.
The average person with Bruxism will clench the jaw throughout the day. It’s an entirely involuntary action. Researchers are still trying to narrow down how or why this ailment occurs. At this point, the ailment is being considered as both a genetic and psychological phenomena.
Nighttime Teeth Grinding
It’s not unheard of for Bruxism-related symptoms to spill over into the evening hours. People who clench their jaw during the night have a different form of this disease. The symptoms of grinding the jaw are the same, but they occur as you sleep.
Most professionals see this ailment as a sleep-related disorder. It’s researched alongside sleep apnea and other issues. Nighttime grinding can go unnoticed until the teeth have significant damage. With enamel breaking down, the teeth can slowly wear down with chips and cracks in severe cases.
Concerning Side Effects from Teeth Grinding
Prevention is the key to a healthy smile once again. The side effects to continual grinding are significant. The jaw becomes tender and delicate as you try to chew food. Your teeth chip, crack and possibly fall out.
Your jawbone and facial structure also suffer. The bones may have damage that requires surgery or other procedure. Teeth grinding isn’t an ailment that can be ignored, especially if it’s a regular habit. The side effects are subtle and slow going, but they will cause permanent damage without professional help or advice from your dentist.
Your Local Dentist Can Help!
When your teeth grinding continues to be a problem, don’t hesitate to seek out a professional’s opinion. Contact 3V Dental today to talk to one of our dentists and get the treatment that’s right for you. Our professional team can spot dental problems from a mile away, so don’t hesitate to schedule your appointment if your teeth grinding is becoming a concern.
Be proactive about your attention to teeth grinding. If you notice a loved one with a similar issue, make them aware of the activity. Teeth can withstand a lot of pressure, but they aren’t immune to damage. Taking care of the cause of this ailment will solve many problems associated with it. A bright smile can be yours once again.
