You probably already know about many of the common threats to your oral health—including cavities and gum disease. However, there are other, more insidious oral health issues that can really take a toll on your smile over time.
For example, people who suffer from bruxism are more likely to experience jaw problems, dental damage, and infections than those who do not. Our Toluca Lake dentists are here to help you recognize the common signs and symptoms of bruxism, so that you can stay on top of this potential problem.
Bruxism refers to habitual grinding and/or clenching of the teeth. Some people grind their teeth when they are stressed out or emotional. However, bruxism can also be the result of misaligned bite surfaces. When you go to sleep, your body tries to find a comfortable “rest” position for your smile. If your bite surface is poorly aligned, your teeth may grind back and forth throughout the night.
The first, obvious, sign of bruxism is if you actually notice that you are grinding your teeth during the day! If you do notice this action, try to relax your jaw muscles to unclench your teeth. Then, reach out to your dentist for further treatment.
If you are grinding your teeth at night, you might notice:
· That your jaw feels sore, your most likely to notice this when you wake up
· That you start dealing with TMJ issues
· That your back teeth are tender upon waking
· That you’re starting to accumulate cracks or chips in your dental enamel
No matter how or when you first notice bruxism issues, it is in your best interest to seek treatment promptly. Our Toluca Lake dentists have the information and treatment solutions that you need—so give us a call to schedule you appointment with our team!