There are many different ways that people react to stressful situations. For some, stress can put a strain on their mental health. Others may feel more physical symptoms related to the buildup of stress inside the body. One of the most common ways that people show their stress or discomfort is by grinding their teeth. So, can teeth grinding cause pain?
Can Teeth Grinding Cause Pain?
Constantly gnashing your teeth together can’t be very good for your overall dental health, and it probably can’t feel very good, either. Is teeth grinding dangerous? Can teeth grinding cause pain on a daily basis? If you want answers to either of these questions, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s what your local Glendora family dentist wants you to know about this bad habit and how to stop it.
Why Do People Grind Their Teeth?
Unfortunately, tooth grinding can cause pain over a long period of time. While it slowly strips away the top layers of enamel on your teeth, it also creates a constant pressure in your jaw that can give you painful head and neck aches. In order to invest in successful treatment for this harmful condition, it is first necessary to find out the root cause of the tooth grinding in the first place.
Reasons for Grinding Your Teeth
There may be another physical ailment causing the inadvertent grinding of teeth; or, it could be a result of the pressures of life on the mind and body. Those who perpetually grind their teeth will likely be diagnosed with bruxism, which is the scientific work for tooth grinding. Some of the most common causes of bruxism include:
- Adverse reaction to a medication
- Stress
- Anxiety and depression
- A coping mechanism to deal with other pain in the body
- Nightmares or troubled sleep
The majority of people with bruxism tend to grind their teeth in their sleep, so some people aren’t even aware that they are doing it. Others may start to gain an inkling that they are grinding their teeth because their jaw or neck feels tight on a regular basis. Either way, it’s important to visit the dentist to stay updated on your dental health needs.
The Dangers of Tooth Grinding
Everyone gets burned out from stress every so often. But if you are grinding your teeth on a regular basis, you are more at risk for several major dental accidents. Make an appointment to check on the status of your teeth before you suffer from long-lasting – and expensive – damage.
Receding Gums
Pushing down on your teeth can force that pressure all the way up to your gums, wreaking havoc on these important parts of your body. One of the sad results of excessive bruxism is a receding gum line as the gums slowly pull away from the roots of the teeth. This will make you more prone to infection and decay, requiring a more rigid dental care routine.
Cracks and Chips
Your teeth are strong, but they go through a lot of wear and tear over the course of a lifetime. By grinding your teeth, you are accelerating the process of aging. The constant pressure can cause teeth to become brittle, making it more likely for them to break and crack. You may start to notice chips and cracks on parts of your teeth; it’s important to get in touch with your restorative dentistry expert right away.
TMJ
TMJ, also known as temporomandibular joint disorder, is a condition that occurs in the jaw. The jaw faces an abnormal amount of stiffness as well as pain, keeping it from opening to its full capacity. If your jaw pops at the joint or if you have trouble opening your mouth wide without feeling pain, you might suffer from this condition. Treatments that can stop tooth grinding will work to lessen the effects of TMJ.
Stop Tooth Grinding with Mouth Guard Treatment Today!
At Glendora Family Dentistry, we want to help you be the best version of yourself by encouraging you to seek the best treatment to stop your tooth grinding ASAP. The longer you live with this habit, the worse it can be for your overall dental health. Learn more about effective bruxism treatments with mouth guards in Glendora when you get in touch with our friendly experts today!
