If someone in your household has told you that they can hear you grinding your teeth in your sleep, it’s important to seek an official diagnosis and treatment. Bruxism is a fancy word for teeth grinding. The jaw muscles are among the strongest in the body, so chronic bruxism can lead to extensive tooth damage. Whether you know for sure that you suffer from bruxism or you think you may clench or grind your teeth in your sleep, our team at Northside Dental would be happy to help.
Frequent Headaches
Headaches can be indicative of a wide variety of issues, from dehydration to stress to lack of sleep. Experiencing daily headaches, especially if they often occur in the morning when you wake up, can be a sign of bruxism. When a patient clenches or grinds their teeth for an extended period of time, the muscles in the jaw and face are the ones that are most utilized. This tension can also travel down the shoulders and back as well as up the neck and head. This can cause pain and tension in other areas of the body.
Face or Jaw Pain
One of the most common bruxism symptoms is face, ear, and jaw pain. The jaw muscles are typically not accustomed to being used for extended periods of time. You may have suffered from bruxism for many years, but the muscles can still become tight and sore, even as they get stronger and stronger. Your jaw pain and soreness may also be accompanied by jaw clicking and popping and lockjaw, two telltale signs that frequent clenching and grinding are occurring.
Sensitive Teeth
Tooth sensitivity is another symptom that can be attributed to many other issues, like weak tooth enamel or an infection. However, tooth sensitivity can also be a sign of bruxism. When the teeth are constantly clenching together every night, they can cause irreversible damage. This is why it’s so important to seek a diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible to protect your teeth, gums, and jaw.
Relief From Bruxism in Raleigh, NC
Teeth grinding is a very common condition. The damage caused by bruxism is usually evident to Dr. Metwally during a regular examination. We offer custom nightguards to protect your teeth and jaw from the effects of night time grinding. Contact us to schedule your appointment today!