Teeth grinding is the culprit behind the rise of dentist visits by people for cracked teeth and broken fillings over the last year.

What is Bruxism, and What are the Causes?

Teeth grinding is also known as bruxism. It is when you clench or grind your teeth subconsciously while awake or in your sleep. Experts have noted that a 40% increase in cracked teeth is due to teeth grinding. 

There are two types of bruxism; sleep and awake. Sleep bruxism involves grinding teeth in sleep and is caused by several factors, including sleep apnea, smoking, and alcohol, with stress and anxiety playing significant roles.

Grinding teeth in the daytime are usually triggered by stress or anxiety. An example is when you are running late and have numerous chores with little time to complete them. As a result, you could have daytime teeth grinding without realizing it.

Signs and Symptoms of Bruxism

• Headaches, jaw joint and/or ear pain
• Aching teeth, particularly when waking up
• Aching or stiffness of jaw and face muscles after waking up
• Aching or stiffness in the jaw when eating or chewing, particularly during breakfast
• Clenching the jaw when angry, anxious or concentrating
• Sensitive teeth to hot and cold temperatures
• Cracked teeth or enamel

How to Stop Teeth Grinding with These 4 Management Tips

The excellent news about teeth grinding is that you don’t have to go through several medical procedures for treatment. Here are some practical ways to treat bruxism and manage teeth grinding.

Use a Mouth Guard or Night Splint

Bruxism splints or mouth guards for teeth grinding help provide cushioning for your teeth and prevent them from grinding against each other. They can either be purchased over the counter or custom-made by your dentist.

Manage Stress and Anxiety

Stress and anxiety are leading causes of teeth grinding. Bruxism has been found to be linked to stress, depression, or anxiety. Finding stress-reduction techniques that work for you could help reduce teeth grinding and improve your overall health. The stress reduction techniques include:

• Meditation
• Yoga
• Listening to music
• Breathing exercises
• Regular exercise
• Stress management therapy
• Practicing good sleeping habits
• Regular dental checkups

Get a Massage

If you struggle with teeth grinding, this is the perfect time to treat yourself to a massage. A head and neck massage can help relieve muscle tension and pain associated with teeth grinding. You can also look up tips and techniques that you can use to relax your jaw muscles, especially before you sleep.

Visit a Dentist Regularly

One of the simplest ways to treat and manage bruxism is to book and see your dentist. Regular dental check-ups help identify any issues that could be caused by your teeth grinding. This will ensure that you are treated as soon as possible and prevent further damage.

When to Visit a Dentist

If you suspect you have teeth grinding or have noticed pieces of broken teeth and fillings, you should visit your dentist immediately. Ignoring them could lead to more issues. Austin Dental is the dental office you can trust for premium care. Contact us today to take care of your teeth grinding.