Do you sometimes awake at night with a sore jaw and headache? You may have a condition called bruxism. In fact, many people are unaware they grind their teeth until they visit their doctor. At Fry Orthodontic Specialists, we’re always happy to answer questions and educate our patients in regards to their dental health.
Let’s take a look at what causes teeth grinding and signs you should look out for.
Causes of Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding happens for a variety of reasons including your lifestyle, stress, sleep disorders, an abnormal bite, or missing/crooked teeth. Without an examination by your doctor or dentist, it’s hard to pinpoint for sure if teeth grinding is the problem.
Common Signs of Teeth Grinding
When grinding your teeth you may experience:
- Loose or fractured teeth
- Weak tooth enamel
- Aching and sore jaws
- Headaches
Teeth Grinding Solutions
Based on the diagnosis and severity of teeth grinding, there are several solutions that may reduce symptoms:
- Drink Water – Drinking caffeine or sugary drinks can increase pressure on your teeth, causing you to clench or grind them. Be sure to drink plenty of water. It’s good for your oral health as it washes away food particles and bacteria.
- Reduce Stress – Find ways to relax and reduce stress like listening to music, exercising, or reading a book.
- Nightguard – A Nightguard protects your teeth from grinding when you sleep. It covers the top of the teeth to prevent wear and relieve pressure on the jaw joints.
- Braces – If you have crooked teeth or a misaligned bite, braces can relieve stress on your teeth and jaw.
Worried Your Teeth Grinding is Affecting Your Smile?
If you continue to experience pain in your jaw and teeth, it’s best to have your dentist or doctor take a look. They’ll be able to examine your teeth and see signs of grinding.
At Fry Orthodontic Specialists, we’ve had several patients improve their smile and ease teeth grinding through braces. We offer affordable orthodontic treatment options including metal, ceramic, and Invisalign.
If you currently have braces, please schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Although slight discomfort is typical with orthodontic treatment, it shouldn’t be causing ongoing pain.
For more questions related to dental health, please check out our FAQs.