Bruxism could be the reason people clench and grind their teeth. They may have bruxism for a variety of reasons, but stress and anxiety could be the main culprit in this day and age.
According to Libertyville Dental Associates, chronic tooth clenching and grinding can cause serious problems with your teeth and gums. Serious problems with teeth and gums can also have serious complications for overall health.
Overall and Oral Health
If you have gum disease or tooth decay chances are the rest of your body is paying the price.
Pockets between teeth and gums, caused from periodontitis, allow bacteria and food debris to enter your bloodstream. When this happens, that plaque and tartar can attach itself to your blood vessels and the arteries in your heart.
Plaque and tartar in your body causes heart problems including COPD, congestive heart failure and heart attack. People with gum disease also have a higher risk for stroke, diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease.
Thankfully, all of these health problems can be solved with good oral hygiene habits including regular dental checkups.
A comprehensive dental checkup with Libertyville Dental Associations can also detect bruxism. If it is diagnosed a plan, such as oral appliance therapy, is put into place to help your chronic clenching and tooth grinding.
Bruxism and Jaw Clenching
If you clench your jaw when you are nervous, in a bad mood or just plain tired or stressed it will eventually lead to tooth grinding.
Serious grinders will content with tooth wear and even broken and chipped teeth. Night clenchers and grinders may also lose teeth if the condition is left untreated.
What Causes the Condition?
As previously mentioned, the biggest reason people have bruxism is stress, however, it might not have anything to do with anxiety.
According to Libertyville Dental Associates, broken dental restorations, dentures, missing teeth and tooth alignment problems can also cause bruxism.
You May Have Bruxism if You:
- Clench Loud Enough to Wake Someone
- Have Chipped, Worn Down or Flattened Teeth
- Worn Tooth Enamel
- Jaw Pain
- Tightness in your Jaw Joints
- Earaches
- Sensitive Teeth
- Facial Pain
- Damage to your Cheek Tissue
- Headaches
Beating Bruxism
The best way to combat the symptoms of bruxism is to schedule an appointment
with Libertyville Dental Associates.
The team will examine your teeth and gums to determine what type of oral appliance is best for you whether it is a night guard with bite pads or a mouth splint for tooth grinding.
Help for Bruxism
If you would like to learn more about bruxism, clenching and tooth grinding, call and talk to Libertyville Dental Associates where they will never charge you for advice.
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