Do you clench your jaws or grind your teeth during times of stress? If you do, you may have a condition called bruxism, and often it happens as you sleep.

Teeth grinding can be caused not just by stress and anxiety but by sleep disorders, an abnormal bite or teeth that are missing or crooked. The symptoms of teeth grinding include:

  • dull headaches
  • jaw soreness
  • teeth that are painful or loose
  • fractured teeth

If you’re suffering from these symptoms, contact Dr. Patel or Dr. Cox right away. They can fit you with a special mouth guard to protect your teeth during sleep, which will help to prevent or reduce future restorative procedures.

Teeth grinding is also common in children. However, because their teeth and jaws change and grow so quickly it is not usually a damaging habit that requires treatment and most outgrow it by adolescence.

If you have been diagnosed with TMJ, or temporomandibular joint disorder, this at-home TMJ care sheet may offer some relief. Be sure to contact our office if you are continuing to experience discomfort after trying these suggestions.

 

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