Chronic tooth grinding is more formally known as bruxism, and it is a harmful habit that usually takes place during sleep, often going unnoticed by the patient. There are many bruxism risk factors, and it can result from sleep apnea, stress, a poor bite and using alcohol and tobacco. We offer further information on bruxism, also called bruxism, to help you better understand the condition.
A professional oral exam can tell you if you suffer from bruxism, but you can also ask a spouse, roommate or sibling if they have heard you grind your teeth. You may also notice bruxism symptoms such as facial pain and headaches, jaw soreness, tooth sensitivity or teeth that are loose or fractured.
If it has been confirmed that you have bruxism, you can review your options for treatment to find what works best. You may find that a custom-made night guard can provide protection for your teeth, and a prescription muscle relaxant helps reduce jaw tension. To address bruxism caused by stress, you may need to exercise daily, meditate or speak with a counselor about your concerns.
Bruxism can commonly affect children as a result of mouth irritation, misaligned teeth or allergies. Fortunately, the tooth damage for children with bruxism is usually mild since there is still ongoing development in their teeth and jaws, and by their teenage years they usually outgrow the habit.
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