Do you ever wake up in the morning to sore teeth or jaw muscles? If so, you might have a common condition called sleep bruxism. However, what is bruxism and what does it mean for your oral health and overall wellness?
Do You Suffer from Sleep Bruxism?
So what is sleep bruxism and what does it do to your health? Sleep bruxism is a common condition of grinding your teeth in your sleep. This teeth grinding takes place in your deepest phases of sleep, often without you ever realizing you suffer the problem. However, maybe you show some of the signs and symptoms of the condition, such as:
- Grinding or clenching your teeth, possibly loud enough to wake others
- Flattened, broken, chipped or loosened teeth
- Tooth pain or sensitivity
- Jaw pain, tight jaw muscles, or locked jaw
- Ear, neck, or face pain
- Headaches
- Sleep problems
If you have this condition, you may also suffer tooth enamel damage, possible injury to the insides of your mouth, snoring, sleep apnea, and other problems. However, help for sleep bruxism exists through your next orthodontic visit. You should also work to reduce your stress levels, as stress often leads to this teeth-damaging condition.
Treatment for Bruxism
The most important step to take for your teeth grinding is to visit your orthodontist and ask, “What is sleep bruxism and do I show signs of this problem?” For some people, bruxism does not require treatment, and the condition goes away on its own. However, if your orthodontist finds signs of dental damage or other concerns related to your sleep teeth grinding, you likely need bruxism therapy.
Options for treating teeth grinding include mouth guards or night guards, a plastic device you wear over your teeth while you sleep. This stops the clenching and grinding activity and protects your teeth. If you suffer tooth damage from your bruxism, the orthodontist provides treatment for those specific issues, such as crowns over some teeth.
Of course, you should also try to treat the cause of your bruxism. If you suffer heavy stress, anxiety, anger, frustration, or aggression in your waking hours, this carries over to your sleep. Consider talking to a therapist or getting other medical help for these problems. By reducing your stress and anxiety, your teeth grinding can go away completely.
Important Orthodontic Care for Teeth Grinding Patients
If you or someone you love suffers nighttime teeth grinding, you need a range of orthodontic services at your disposal. This means visiting a qualified orthodontist who helps you restore your best oral health and prevents future problems. For this help, seek out services that include:
- Treatment for children and adults
- Braces and Invisalign
- Sleep apnea treatment
- Night and mouth guards
- TMJ/TMD treatment
In Pearland and Houston, visit G Orthodontics to discuss your sleep bruxism and receive treatment for this common problem. Schedule an appointment call our office at (713) 436 1241.
