How To Protect Your Teeth
Do you live a stressful life? Many things in your daily life can cause stress, such as your work schedule, activities with children, volunteer obligations, home projects… the list goes on. Each person handles stress differently. For some, it affects their bodies. They might overeat, experience weight gain, or have health complications such as high blood pressure. For others, it affects their oral health. Stress often comes out through clenching and grinding your teeth. This is known as bruxism. Read on to learn more about this condition, how to spot the signs, and treatment.
What to Know About Bruxism
If you often feel stressed or find that your body is always tense, be sure to speak to us at your next routine examination. We will look for signs of damage to your teeth. It is not uncommon for patients who experience stress to clench and grind their teeth. The problem is that it usually occurs while you’re sleeping, so you may not be aware you have this problem. Aside from our team noticing a problem during your visit, you can be on the lookout for warning signs, including:
- Jaw muscles that are tight or uncomfortable
- Popping or clicking when you open your mouth
- Discomfort in the face
- Damaged teeth
- Frequent headaches
- Swollen appearance to the face near the mouth and jaw
Treatment For Bruxism
There is a very simple solution that we can provide to patients who may be experiencing the effects of bruxism. We can fit you with a custom nightguard to help prevent you from grinding and clenching your teeth when you sleep. A nightguard is useful because it relieves pressure on the jaw and, therefore, discomfort, allowing for better sleep. Unfortunately, the longer treatment is postponed, the greater the chance you will have complications with your oral health, such as uneven tooth wear, sensitivity, and cracked teeth.
If you are concerned you may be clenching and grinding your teeth, contact our office located in Spotswood, NJ. We will be happy to schedule you an appointment as soon as possible.
