Teeth grinding/clenching can be a painful and damaging habit many people aren’t even aware of because it happens during sleep.
Teeth Grinding/Clenching Causes & Symptoms
Teeth grinding can be the result of many factors, including stress, anxiety, sleeping disorders, abnormal bite patterns, or missing teeth. Grinding can occur in both adult and adolescent patients. With pediatric patients, teeth grinding can also be caused by allergies, misaligned teeth, and irritation in the mouth. However, since a child’s jaw and teeth change so rapidly as they grow, teeth grinding is typically not an issue that needs to be addressed until adulthood.
Common symptoms that may indicate teeth grinding:
- Waking up with a sore jaw or headache
- Painful or loose teeth
- Fractured or chipped teeth
Preventing & Treating Teeth Grinding/Clenching
When it comes to preventing and treating teeth grinding, you have several options. Wearing a mouthguard while you sleep is one of the most direct treatment options. Your dentist can fit you with a mouthguard that will protect your teeth from the harmful effects of grinding while you sleep. While mouthguards are great for preventing the symptoms of grinding, they often do not address the root cause of the teeth grinding. If stress is causing your grinding, your dentist may recommend a muscle relaxant before bedtime. Exercises, meditation, and counseling can also significantly reduce stress and help prevent teeth grinding.
Minnesota Dental Clinic
Are you experiencing a dental health issue? Smiles for Life has you covered! Dr. Tim Brooks makes it a point to provide compassionate, individualized care to every patient that makes an appointment. No matter how big or small your dental issue is, we will offer you top-notch care at Smiles for Life. Our primary clinic is located in Bloomington, but we serve patients throughout the Twin Cities metro and surrounding areas. Give us a call today to set up your appointment!