Bruxism (also known as teeth grinding) is a condition that plagues many people.
Bruxism (also known as teeth grinding) is a condition that plagues many people. Involuntary grinding one’s teeth will lead to tooth damage. There are many people that wake up in the morning with a headache and a sore jaw and not have the slightest clue why. The only time you should have your teeth coming together is when you are eating food. This condition should not be taken lightly because it can lead to a variety of health concerns. The good news however, is that there are treatment options for Bruxism.
Causes of Teeth Grinding
The main cause of teeth grinding is stress. If stressful thoughts are running through your mind at night and you are anxious, you may end up grinding your teeth involuntarily. People who are just naturally aggressive or hyperactive are more at risk. Another cause could be a side effect from medications and certain antidepressants. Hopefully, this is not the case, but it can be a symptom of Huntington’s disease or Parkinson’s disease.
Other Complications Due to Teeth Grinding
Aside from the tooth damage, sore jaw, and headaches, you can also develop facial pain and earaches. If you suffer from continuous grinding, you can develop an overdeveloped masseter muscle which can damage the salivary glands. In more serious cases, studies have shown a relationship between teeth grinding and long-term cardiovascular health. Since stress is a typical cause of teeth grinding, teeth grinding can adversely affect your heart.
Treatment Options
If you suffer from teeth grinding, you will want to make an appointment with your dentist to discover what is the best course of action. He/she may recommend wearing a mouthguard at night or sending you to a specialist where they will examine the root causes of your teeth grinding.
CARE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY FROM ANNAPOLIS DENTAL CENTER
Whether you need a tooth extraction or just want to get a dental health check-up, Annapolis Dental Center has the expertise and compassion to work with you to improve your oral health and get you smiling again. Your comfort and health are our top priorities, so we go above and beyond to make our patients happy with the services that they receive. To set up your appointment today, give us a call at (410) 571-5014 or visit us online. For more oral health tips for you and the whole family, visit us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and check us out on Yelp!