The Dangers Of Teeth Grinding

Teeth clenching or bruxism is a habit that is observable in a number of people. It usual occurs when a person is in deep sleep, and is sometimes unaware of grinding his teeth. It is important to put a stop into this habit at once, if observed, because it is not only annoying especially if one has a sleeping partner, but it is also damaging to the teeth and to one’s oral health.

Bruxism may vary in severity and effects, depending on how often it occurs in a person. Some people are only experience irregular Bruxism, which means they tend to grind their teeth during sleep but only on several occasions. Habitual grinders often experience teeth grinding in their sleep. It may happen almost every night which is very alarming. There is little damage done to people who fall victim to irregular Bruxism, but habitual grinders may risk damaging their jaw and developing hearing problems.

Because of the dangers that bruxism can possible cause to a person’s health, it is important that it is detected as early as possible. In some people, teeth clenching is easily observed because they make disturbing teeth noises while asleep. Silent grinders, however, are more susceptible to developing problems due to teeth clenching because the habit might remain undetected for some time.

Those who have sleeping partners become easily aware of their teeth grinding habits because their partners will most likely complain about it. The sounds made while clenching teeth can be very annoying and can disturb another person’s slumber. For silent grinders, detection of bruxism is possible through observation of certain signs that may be felt in the morning, upon waking up. These signs include waking up with an aching jaw, and/or experiencing a slight but persistent headache. Grinding teeth may lead a person to experience severe toothache and/or pain when biting hard, cold, or hot food. It may also become the reason behind certain cases of teeth fracture and teeth loss. The pressure applied to the teeth when clenching can cause certain damages to the teeth which may be the reason behind eating discomfort and dental problems.

As they say, prevention is better than cure. It is best to avoid certain habits that may lead to the development of bruxism such as thumb sucking. Since this habit usually happens at a very young age, it is the parents’ role to reprimand and control their children from doing so. Other precautionary measures to take includes reducing the consumption of beverages that contain either alcohol or caffeine, and lowering stress levels by taking time off to relax and unwind. In cases of teeth grinding during sleep, a night guard is recommended for use. If bruxism is caused by irregular bite, then it is advisable for the person with this problem to undergo teeth alignment at the soonest possible time.

The earlier bruxism is detected, the better. Consult a dental professional directly once aware of experiencing habitual teeth clenching. In the case of silent grinders, a dentist should be sought after when any of the signs of possible teeth grinding during sleep is observed. The dentist will be able to make proper diagnosis and determine the best steps to take to remedy the problem. Do not take this condition for granted. It may seem small and irrelevant at first, but it can actually lead to serious and more complicated problems if not paid due attention. Little health problems almost always tend to worsen if they are left unnoticed or unresolved after a considerable amount of time.

 

 

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