What You Need to Know About Your Chronic Teeth Grinding

Are you looking to stop grinding your teeth in your sleep? Chronic teeth grinding, known as bruxism, is a serious condition that leads to teeth that are worn and eventually developing chips, breaks, and fractures. Most who suffer from bruxism do so because of external factors, including stress and anxiety. 

Dr. Anu Mohan and the team at I-Rise Dental Boutique in Carlsbad, California, are available to help patients in the area find a solution to their bruxism. Bruxism can also lead to bodily pain, including headaches, tension in the neck and shoulder area, and TMJ disorder. Dentists widely use night guards to help patients with bruxism.

The Symptoms of Bruxism

Because teeth grinding will usually occur when you are asleep, most who grind their teeth aren’t even aware they are doing it. If you know some of the symptoms and signs of chronic teeth grinding, you may be able to see a dentist before any real damage can be done. 

Some of the symptoms and signs you should be aware of include:

• Morning or chronic headaches
• Flat, chipped, fractured, or loose teeth
• Worn enamel that exposes the deeper layers of the tooth
• Discomfort in the jaw, neck, or face area
• Sensitive or painful teeth
• Disruption of sleep
• You make grinding noises as you sleep
• Aching in the face or temple area after waking

Why Are You Grinding Your Teeth?

You may grind your teeth for several reasons. Here are a few possible reasons.

Oral Problems: If you have issues, including an abnormal bite, crooked teeth, or missing teeth, this could lead to you grinding your teeth. You could also have an issue with your TMJ that could lead to grinding.

Stress: If you suffer constant anxiety or stress, it can lead to you clenching your jaw and grinding your teeth. Anxiety or stress stemming from work, relationships, finances, and more could result in distress that has you grinding your teeth.

Medical Conditions: Conditions including Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and sleep apnea can result in teeth grinding.

If you are ready to do something about your chronic teeth grinding, please schedule a visit with our office by calling (858) 465-8717 today.