Teeth Grinding: What's at Stake?

Teeth grinding is a habit that you may not even know you have. However, it is one that can wreak havoc on both your smile and your overall health. Up to 80% of teeth grinding cases occur subconsciously during sleep. Therefore, if you are seeking help for your grinding habit, it is likely because your bed partner told you to do so. Teeth grinding, also called bruxism, is often worse during times of stress or anxiety. Those who involuntarily grind their teeth at night may also have a tendency to clench their teeth or jaw during the day, which can also cause dental damage and TMJ problems.

While you may not notice the consequences of occasional teeth grinding, its effects can certainly become apparent in the long term. Those who frequently grind their teeth at night can suffer from the following symptoms:

• Sore, painful or clicking jaw (or TMD)
• Morning headaches
• Ear pain
• Cracked or chipped teeth
• Loose teeth
• Sore bite

It is also very common for nighttime bruxism to be linked with sleep apnea, a very serious condition that affects your quality of sleep and overall health if not treated. If you suspect that you have sleep apnea, consult your physician or a sleep apnea dentist as soon as possible.

At Cosmetic Dentistry of Hayward, we have all you need to protect your smile while you sleep. We offer night mouth guards that are made of high quality materials and custom fit to maximum comfort. We also encourage patients to examine the cause of their bruxism habit. In many cases, reducing your stress levels can significantly improve your habit. 

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