Has your partner told you that you grind your teeth at night? Do you wake with a sore jaw or headache? Are your teeth worn down, feel loose, chipped, or even broken?If so, you might have Sleep Bruxism. Need not get scared, this not an unusual condition. There are many victims of bruxism and there are plenty reasons behind it. Let us read further.

Understand Bruxism-

Bruxism is characterized by an unconscious act of grinding, gnashing, or clenching one’s teeth tightly together. It is classified by two main types: awake bruxism and sleep bruxism. The two types are distinctly separate in that the damage to teeth caused by sleep bruxism is usually much more severe. Sleep bruxism falls under the category of sleep disorders known as sleep related movement disorders. This class of sleep disorders is characterized by physical movement during sleep, which may be uncontrollable or involuntary. While people also grind their teeth while awake, sleep bruxism is generally a bigger health concern. People with sleep bruxism may not know they’re grinding their teeth, so the behavior can continue for years. Left untreated, sleep bruxism can break, loosen, or wear down teeth, enamel, crowns, and fillings.

Worried? Whether or not you are going through Sleep Bruxism. Relax we have symptoms listed below which will help you diagnose Sleep Bruxism.

•         Teeth grinding or clenching, which may be loud enough to wake up your sleep partner
•         Teeth that are flattened, fractured, chipped or loose
•         Worn tooth enamel, exposing deeper layers of your tooth
•         Increased tooth pain or sensitivity
•         Tired or tight jaw muscles, or a locked jaw that won’t open or close completely
•         Jaw, neck or face pain or soreness
•         Pain that feels like an earache, though it’s actually not a problem with your ear
•         Dull headache starting in the temples
•         Damage from chewing on the inside of your cheek
•         Sleep disruption.                                                                                                                               

If you find such symptoms occurring and think that you are at the trigger of sleep bruxism or have other concerns about your teeth or jaw then, you must see our Dentist at Global Dental Centre. Do not hesitate to discuss your problems with our experts.

Is it serious or not-

Teeth grinding is not dangerous, but leaving it untreated can have serious consequences, such as permanent tooth damage. Bruxism can cause jaw or face pain, headaches, and earaches. More severe cases of teeth grinding can lead to temporomandibular joint and muscle disorder (often referred to as TMJ). Grinding, or bruxism, is a very dangerous habit. Over time, enamel will wear down, and the teeth will appear flat and short. Many patients fracture teeth when they grind their teeth.

You can yourself defeat your sleep bruxism by following such strategies. Try to adopt these practices for avoiding sleep bruxism.

Wear a Night Guard. Your dentist can custom fit you for a night guard, which is an appliance that fits over your top teeth, is made from plastic or acrylic, and is worn while you sleep. Though it won’t stop you from grinding, it protects your teeth.

Exercise- Whether you opt for a major sweat session or just a stroll, working out helps alleviate stress, which is a common cause of bruxism.

Take a Warm Bath Before Bed- Warm water can help relax your jaw muscles right before you turn in. If you don’t like baths, soak a washcloth in warm water, wring it out, and apply it to your jaw. A heating pad can also do the trick, though moist heat is best because it penetrates better.

Learn New Habits. It is possible to grind or clench during the day. So try to be aware of your mouth—keep your lips closed but teeth apart. Teeth should only touch when you’re chewing or swallowing. Whenever you feel your jaw clenching, drop your jaw down, feel the muscles relax, and then try to maintain that position.

Give Yourself a Massage. A rubdown helps the rest of your body relax, and it works the same way for your jaw muscles—gently rub them when you’re feeling tense.

Seek Help. If you suffer from severe anxiety, talk therapy with a psychologist or psychiatrist may help alleviate that, which in turn will reduce grinding.

Avoid Alcohol and Caffeine. Grinding may get worse after drinking alcohol or caffeine. So skip that glass of wine or cup of coffee in the evening.

Don’t Chew Anything Besides Food. Gnawing on pens or pencils or similarly hard items can enable your jaw muscles to get used to clenching, making you more likely to grind your teeth.

Skip Chewy Foods. Keep gum, steak, popcorn, and other chewy foods to a minimum when you’ve been grinding your teeth. This will ease soreness and give your jaw a break.

Hence, it is okay to be unaware about certain things but if you get suspected with any health issue majorly the dental related, then you must not avoid it rather make a visit to an expert dentist. Global Dental Centre is always available for treating people in best possible ways.