What causes it and what can you do to prevent it?
From time-to-time, teeth grinding is something that affects all of us. While most will never experience problems, the potential risk to your teeth and oral health is too big to ignore! Take the time to learn about teeth grinding, the risks and what you can do to stem the tide of tooth damage.
Causes
Teeth grinding can often be caused by stress or anxiety, however it is more commonly a result of a slightly misaligned jaw or crooked teeth. Therefore, teeth grinding affects children more than it does adults. That being said, it should be noted that this problem could arise at any age, even later on in life!
Risks
One of the first warning signs that you might be a teeth grinder is a slight headache, usually in the morning time, but potentially throughout the day. Chronic teeth grinding can ultimately lead to fracturing, loosening or even complete loss of teeth.
The only way to reverse these adverse effects would be with invasive and often costly procedures like root canals, crowns or even restorative dental implants.
Prevention
Here are a few simple changes you can make that might help stop your teeth grinding and reduce your risk for lasting and irreversible damage:
- Consult you dentist about a night guard.
- Avoid drinks/food with high levels of caffeine.
- Gently massage your jaw before bedtime.
- Apply a warm, moist cloth to your jaw before heading to sleep.
- Avoid chewing gum (or nervous habits like chewing pens or biting nails).
- Make an effort to reduce your stress levels through exercise and recreational activities.
Above all else, the first thing you should do if you think you might be grinding your teeth is to visit your dentist – they can give you a solid assessment before you try anything on your own!
If you think (or know) that you might be grinding your teeth and you’re worried about the potential damage you might be inflicting upon your teeth AND your oral health, schedule a consultation with me at my Davisville dental office. Together, we can ensure that your mouth is healthy for years and years to come!
Can’t wait to see you!