Do you catch yourself clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth? If so, you might have bruxism.
Bruxism is when you constantly clench or grind your teeth, typically without realizing it. Many people deal with night bruxism that happens while you’re sleeping, but others struggle with awake bruxism during the day.
If you have night bruxism, you may not know you have it. However, you might notice symptoms during the day, such as tooth pain, jaw pain, headaches, and worn down or cracked teeth.
Because bruxism can damage teeth and cause pain, Robert Scott Nance, DDS, MS, PA, and our team at the practices in Statesville and Hickory, North Carolina, want to offer some strategies to minimize tooth grinding and protect oral health.
Wearing a mouthguard or splint at night provides a barrier that keeps your teeth from rubbing against each other. The mouthguard or splint takes the brunt of the damage rather than your teeth.
A night mouthguard is made of flexible rubber or plastic. While you can get these over-the-counter, we highly recommend getting fitted for one by Dr. Nance for enhanced comfort and performance.
Many people struggle with bruxism due to anxiety or high-stress levels. If this is the case for you, finding healthy ways to cope and relax might help with managing your bruxism.
Some relaxation and anxiety management techniques include meditation, yoga, talk therapy, and exercise.
Creating a relaxing environment free of screens and blue light before you go to sleep may help reduce overstimulation and night bruxism.
Pain relief during the day can be found by taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), which are available over the counter. Taking a muscle relaxant at night may also help reduce bruxism.
However, some medications actually cause bruxism as a side effect, especially antidepressants and antipsychotics. If you suspect a medication you’re taking is causing your bruxism, talk with your doctor about changes in dosage or try a new medicine.
Sometimes, how your teeth fit together causes bruxism. If this is the case for you, getting braces or other orthodontic care can straighten out your teeth and align them to fit together correctly.
If you’re experiencing tooth pain or damage due to bruxism, don’t wait to seek treatment. Untreated bruxism can lead to serious oral health issues, such as cracked teeth or temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ).
Schedule an appointment for bruxism treatment by calling the nearest office location today.
