Have you lately been grinding your teeth at night and keeping your spouse awake? If yes, then you probably suffer from Bruxism. Bruxism commonly known as teeth grinding is a dental condition where one clenches their teeth involuntarily. This could be caused during the day or night. It can be caused by stress, abnormalities with the teeth, or lifestyle problems. It also occurs in conjunction with sleep disorders like sleep apnea.

 Symptoms of Bruxism

Most people who suffer from Bruxism are unaware of their condition. Diagnosing Bruxism can be difficult on an individual level. That sounds tough but it doesn’t have to be. You can keep an eye out for symptoms like:

  1. If you wake up in the morning with a headache, earache, or a tender jaw, you might be suffering from Bruxism.
  2. You might notice some damage on the inside of your cheek or tongue.
  3. ​The GRINDING sound-A spouse sleeping next to you is more likely to hear you grind your teeth, and can help you diagnose the problem.
  4. If you are unsure, whether you suffer from this problem or not, you can consult a dentist. A professional will be able to check your teeth for signs of wear and provide you with the right line of treatment.
  5. Since it is an involuntary action, you might even be grinding your teeth very hard when lifting weights. Maybe tone the body and tone down the teeth grinding? It’s only wearing out your teeth.
  6. Another common symptom is sensitivity of teeth when having cold or hot foods and water. This feeling might persist even when sucking in air through the mouth.

Effects of Bruxism

Bruxism can cause a lot of problems. It can result in wearing down the enamel, breaking or chipping of your teeth, etc. This could result in increased tooth sensitivity, cavities or extreme deterioration of teeth. It is also difficult not to notice it. So keep an eye out! Quite literally. Self-examination is key.

Treatment for Bruxism

Don’t worry, the case of Bruxism is not as hopeless as it sounds. The following cures can be provided:

  1. First and foremost, your dentist will provide you with a mouth guard that will protect your teeth and the enamel. Please remember this is the preventive measure and not a permanent solution.
  2. If your problem is caused by excess stress, it is imperative for you to reduce your stress levels. This can be done via various methods like physical exercise, prescription of stress relievers, consulting a counsellor, and more. Or taking a few days off. Stacking on office leaves is not helping anybody.
  3. If your teeth grinding is caused by sleep disorders, it is important to solve it at the root. You will need to consult a physician regarding treatment for the sleep disorder.
  4. In extreme cases, the teeth can be ground down to stumps. This would require immediate attention resulting in affixing dentures or dental implants.

These steps will help you in correctly diagnosing and treating your teeth grinding problems. So de-stress, enjoy life, and let your dentist worry about the teeth grinding.