Do you wake up every morning feeling concerned about your smile? Wear-and-tear on teeth is natural as we age, however, sometimes you’ll find that your teeth begin to degrade when you least expect it, usually due to your lifestyle choices even when you’re performing correct oral hygiene practice. This could be a sign of teeth grinding.
Teeth grinding is the process of your upper and lower teeth that grind together during times of stress, and at night during sleep. Lifestyle plays a big factor in your oral health, and teeth grinding is a key symptom of this.
Should You Be Worried?
It is not uncommon to grind teeth at night, for parents and children alike. If you experience the following symptoms when you wake up in the morning, or during the day, it is a sure sign of teeth grinding:
- Facial pain including jaw stiffness
- Regular headaches
- Regular-disruptive sleep
- Worn-down teeth
- Increased sensitivity in the mouth
Teeth grinding can progress to a stage where it can cause serious damage. Grinding the surfaces of your teeth can ear the protective enamel layer, which is located at the front of your teeth, designed to protect your smile from harmful bacteria and decay.
It also puts a strain on your muscles and jaw ligaments, which may lead to pain when waking up and, over time, cause your jaw to click when you open and close it, particularly when eating.
If you’re a heavy smoker and consume caffeine and alcohol, they all prompt teeth grinding. It is may also be possible to overuse medication for adverse health conditions because this can also trigger the condition.
Therefore, your lifestyle is strongly linked to the condition. If your lifestyle causes the symptoms, then your oral health is in danger of becoming progressively worse. Teeth grinding can cause chips and cracks, damage your enamel and progressively lead to tooth decay.
How Can I Halt It?
- Dental Mouthguard – Custom-made mouthguard help to reduce jaw strain and are specially fitted according to your jaw’s size and shape. They are made of comfortable, softer material that places a gap between the upper and lower teeth during sleep.
- Stress Reduction – Stress is one of the popular symptoms. Prevent the problem through relaxation techniques such as meditation. This can help keep your mind in a calm and relaxed state.
- Change Lifestyle – Changing your lifestyle is one of the most important changes to make. Avoid fad diets, alcohol and smoking, and replace it with a healthy diet and regular exercise to limit any stress symptoms.
If you suffer from teeth grinding, we at Sutherland Dental can help. Protect your teeth and restore your smile today by contacting us for an appointment. Click here to book!
