Grind Your Teeth? Seek Help from Your Dentist Before 2022!

November 11, 2021

Bruxism is a common condition that consists of clenching and grinding the teeth, usually at night while sleeping. In addition to waking up to discomfort, suffers can end up with all sorts of dental issues if the problem isn’t addressed in a timely manner. But how do you know if you grind your teeth, and what can your dentist do about it? Continue reading to learn some of the signs of bruxism, as well as why you should seek help from your dentist before 2021 comes to an end.

7 Common Signs of Teeth Grinding

Here are some of the most common signs of bruxism:

• Audible grinding that can be heard by others in the room.
• Flattened, fractured, or chipped teeth
• Worn tooth enamel
• Increase in tooth pain or sensitivity
• Sore jaw muscles or a locked jaw
• Jaw, neck, or face pain
• Dull headache beginning in the temples

What Causes Teeth Grinding?

Bruxism has a variety of different causes, and it isn’t the same for everyone who suffers from it. Some of the more common reasons behind teeth clenching and grinding are:

• Stress and Anxiety: An increase in stress or frustration can cause you to grind your teeth.
• Heredity: Bruxism tends to occur in families, so if you have it, it is possible that other members of your family do too.
• Health Conditions: Some conditions can increase your risk of bruxism, like Parkinson’s disease, dementia, gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), epilepsy, ADHD, and sleep apnea.
• Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD): This consists of disorders of the jaw muscles, temporomandibular joints, and nerves linked to chronic facial pain.
• Medication: Some medications, especially ones used to treat depression, developmental disorders, and schizophrenia, can increase your risk of bruxism.

Why Should You See Your Dentist Now?

There are treatment options available to reduce and eliminate bruxism, like splints and mouthguards, as well as transcutaneous electrical neural stimulation (TENS), and other techniques. By putting off treatment, you are increasing your risk of damaging your smile.

Now is the perfect time to schedule an appointment because 2022 is just around the corner! If you have dental insurance through your employer or by another means, it is likely that you are about to miss out on all your unused benefits for the year, including your six-month exams. If you wait until after the holiday season, you could end up having to pay more out-of-pocket for treatment, as you will be left responsible for your annual deductible once again.

If you have symptoms of teeth grinding, there is no better time to head to the dental office to have it checked out. This way, you can get the most out of your dental insurance plan. Your smile will thank you!

About the Author

Dr. Amy Crary earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree with High Honors from the University of Florida College of Dentistry. She is a graduate of the Core Curriculum at the world-renowned Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies and has additionally completed many of their auxiliary courses. Committed to continuing education, she has completed hundred of CE hours in the fields of orthodontics and temporomandibular joint disorders, and she earned a Fellowship from the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain. If you think you may have bruxism, she’d be happy to help. For more information or to schedule an appointment at her office in Stuart, visit her website or call (772) 888-1590.