Ways To Find Out If You Grind Your Teeth
Do you frequently wake in the morning with jaw discomfort that you did not have when you went to sleep? Have you been dealing with frequent, unexplained headaches? If you have been noticing any of these symptoms on a regular basis, you may be grinding your teeth. Teeth grinding is when the upper and lower teeth are pushed together with firm pressure and often move back and forth. Bruxism is the technical term for teeth grinding and can happen when you are awake or asleep. If not addressed in a timely fashion, bruxism can lead to serious consequences with your oral health.
Signs You May Be Grinding Your Teeth
We inspect your mouth for signs of bruxism during your routine appointments, but teeth grinding can begin at any time, so it is important to know what to look for between visits. As we already mentioned, there are many patients who grind their teeth while sleeping, so it can be difficult to realize it is occurring. We see some patients after their loved ones have heard them grinding their teeth. Symptoms caused by teeth grinding can include:
- Jaw and facial discomfort
- Headaches upon waking
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Cracked or chipped teeth
- Ear and neck pain
What Causes Teeth Grinding?
There is no one particular culprit that causes a patient to grind their teeth. Instead, it is thought to be caused by a variety if issues, such as:
- Stress and anxiety
- Missing or crooked teeth
- A misaligned bite
- Medical disorders
- Side effects of medications
If you believe you or a loved one may be suffering from teeth grinding, contact our office located in Houston, TX to schedule an appointment. We can examine your teeth, determine if you are grinding them, and help provide a solution to the problem. Thankfully, teeth grinding is a very treatable condition. We would hate for you to experience discomfort or a dental emergency due to grinding your teeth.
