What does (Bruxism) Teeth Grinding feel like?
Recurring headaches can be attributed to a variety of causes and it’s important to focus on the ones that may seem unrelated, so as not to miss anything concrete. If you’re experiencing neck pain or headache-like pains near your temples then this could be indicative of a tension headache; on the other hand, tight jaw muscles refer to TMJ and these related pains often occur
The jaw muscles are responsible for the movement of your teeth, chewing, and swallowing food. The muscles attach to the bottom part of your face, so if there is a problem you’ll feel it in your neck or face. If you have jaw pain or tightness, it can be a symptom of a more serious condition like TMJ or temporomandibular disorder (TMD).
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How to Stop Grinding Your Teeth and Take Control
When you grind your teeth, you can cause damage to your teeth and gums. It can also lead to a host of other health conditions such as dry mouth, heartburn, and insomnia. So the next time you hear yourself grinding your teeth, take a moment to stop it before it starts.
There are many ways that you can stop grinding your teeth. One way is by using a tooth grinder which is an electric device that uses sound waves to massage the nerves in the mouth and release endorphins in the brain. There are also other methods such as playing music or having a little chat with someone who doesn’t mind talking while they’re chewing their food.
Keep in mind that it is not always easy to stop grinding your teeth, even if there are medicines that can help. It’s important to keep a healthy lifestyle and practice relaxation exercises such as meditation and deep breathing in order to reduce stress levels and prevent stress-related health issues like sleep disorders, muscle tension or pain, dental conditions. There are also some effective strategies that you can use to stop it once it starts.
Some gum protection strategies include:
- Using a mouth guard to support the jaw and prevent against teeth grinding
- Making time for activities like listening to music or taking a warm bath can reduce your risk of developing a disorder that could lead to pain. You might also feel less stressed and be able to get more sleep!
- It’s not recommended that you drink caffeinated coffee or tea after dinner or consume alcohol in the evening. They may worsen your bruxism and keep you from sleeping well at night.
- If you wake up grinding or clicking during sleep, speak to your doctor/dentist right away. You have a medical condition and it needs attention.
Why Do People Grind Their Teeth ?
It is a common misconception that grinding teeth is an unconscious act. It actually takes effort to grind your teeth, and it can be a sign of stress, anxiety or pain.
40% of adults grind their teeth while they sleep, 52% of children might have problems with teeth grinding, and this condition is treatable. It’s an epidemic that we should be extremely concerned about and do everything possible to help prevent.
Effects of teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Other then causing some jaw discomfort Teeth Grinding cause all other types of problems here is a list of effects that Teeth Grinding can cause
Pain. When grinding your teeth, you may experience jaw pain, facial pain and earaches due to the constant pressure on your jaw joints and surrounding muscles.
Jaw disorders. If you grind your teeth at night or when sleeping, it can cause severe side effects such as temporomandibular disorders (TMD). TMD can result in a lot of pain, difficulty chewing/swallowing and facial pain/discomfort. It’s important not to grind your teeth because that may lead to more serious complications.
Tooth damage. As tooth damage is the leading side effect of clenching & grinding, depriving yourself of the comfort of using them can harm your oral health. This can lead you to losing height from worn-down surfaces or increased sensitivity to nerve endings from damaged enamel. But tooth damage does not only affect fillings, crowns, or bridges–grinding can also damage any dental work
Gum recession. Bruxism is one of the leading causes of gum recession, which happens when teeth shift and loosen. This causes pockets between your teeth where bacteria can enter and cause the gums to pull away from the teeth.
Headaches. Grinding gum can cause painful migraines and tension headaches because it stresses the nerve that leads from your ear to your eye.
When to seek help
Teeth grinding is a symptom of many different conditions, but it’s important to keep it under control. Your dentist & doctor can help diagnose & treat recurring symptoms of bruxism and can prevent more severe dental complications.
It’s important you get your teeth check as regular as possible, something like teeth grinding doesn’t always go away on its own so you need a professionals help getting the right treatment
For appointment details or any more dental health information check out our website, we post regular dental health blogs all the time so stay posted and drop in for a check-up