What happens if I grind my teeth?
If you find yourself having headaches, ear pain, and/or pain in the jaw or neck muscles, it may be because of bruxism. You may end up with TMJ, a painful jaw disorder. Besides the pain it can cause, tooth grinding can erode the enamel on your teeth or cause tooth chips or fractures, which can lead to infection. Eventually, if left untreated, it can cause teeth to become loose. You may need a root canal or a crown to help repair teeth or dentures or implants to replace them.
Why do people grind their teeth?
Occasional tooth grinding is harmless, and most people will do it from time to time. It is when people do it every night that it can begin to cause serious problems. It can be caused by sleep apnea, a misaligned bite, missing or crooked teeth, or by stress or anxiety.
What can I do about my bruxism?
If you think you may grind your teeth while you sleep, you should see your dentist right away so that he or she can see if any damage has been done and make recommendations for any pain it is causing. Then, your dentist can recommend ways to help keep your teeth healthy and prevent tooth grinding, such as Therapeutic Botox.
If your bruxism is related to a sleep disorder or stress and anxiety, you may want to visit your physician to see what they recommend.
You may not even realize you grind your teeth, until a loved one tells you they can hear you do it when you sleep or you find yourself with constant headaches and jaw pain. Do something about it before it becomes a serious problem – call Soft Touch Dentistry for help today. Call the Brighton Office at (617) 782-9250 or the Newton Office at (617) 332-8146 to schedule a consultation.
