What You Should Know About Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding during the night is also known as nocturnal bruxism. Those who regularly suffer from this inconvenient condition often experience regular pain in the mouth and face and could develop a much more complex dental problem if they don’t seek out treatment. If you suffer from bruxism, here are some things you should know about the condition.

1) It May Cause a Bigger Problem

Regular grinding of the teeth could cause a person to fracture or break a dental filling. In severe cases, the individual could develop a condition known as temporomandibular joint dysfunction, in which the joints of the jaw bone become inflamed, compromising the jaw’s movement and causing intense pain that can be accompanied by clicking of the jaw.

2) It is Accompanied by Specific Symptoms

Symptoms of nocturnal bruxism include pain in the facial muscles (facial myalgia), sensitive teeth, headaches, difficulty sleeping, loss of enamel, flat chewing surfaces, and pain in the jaw joint. These symptoms may start slowly and begin to intensify as teeth grinding becomes more intense.

3) It Causes Regular Pain

Individuals who grind their teeth during the night may experience regular morning headaches, facial pain, and severe toothaches. If only occasional bouts of nocturnal bruxism are experienced, there is less cause for alarm; however, in the presence of evidence that a person regularly grinds his or her teeth,  treatment should be sought immediately before more intense problems have the chance to develop.

4) It Can Be Treated

In some cases, teeth grinding is a temporary manifestation of stress and has been known to disappear on its own. However, unrelenting symptoms should be treated immediately. A variety of treatment options are available for individuals who suffer from this inconvenience. Night guards may be worn to protect the teeth, and unsightly fractures caused by the condition may be treated with fillings. In addition, misaligned teeth that cause oral pain may be fixed with gold or porcelain inlays.

While teeth grinding may result from a wide variety of causes, it’s important to note that its symptoms are easily noticeable and that if left untreated for a long period of time, a much more intense problem may arise. By getting help as early as possible, you will do your dental health a favor and prevent what may have started out as a stress-related habit from turning into a chronically painful disorder.