Bruxism, also known as teeth grinding, is a condition in which people unconsciously grind their teeth, usually during sleep. Stress is the leading cause of bruxism, and if 2020 has stressed you out, you’re not the only one.
According to research that the CDC has recently reported, there has been a drastic rise in stress, anxiety, mental illness, and depression over the past six months. Dentists across the Nation have seen more patients than ever with signs of bruxism, and at Jefferson Dental Care, we want you to know the signs of bruxism so that you can pay attention and protect your smile.
The body can only handle a certain amount of stress until it needs to find relief. Many people are proactive about relieving stress and make exercise or therapy a mainstay in their lives. Yet, most people try to keep living and hope that their bodies will cope with the stress that life throws at them. For many people, bruxism is the body’s way of relieving stress during sleep. It is unclear why it occurs, but according to the American Dental Association, stress and anxiety are the leading factors in teeth grinding.
Knowing the signs of bruxism can help save your smile. Here are the most common signs that you’re grinding your teeth:
- Waking up with headaches
- Facial pain or tenderness
- Damage to the inside walls of your cheeks
- Worn-down teeth
- A popping or clicking sound in your jaw
- Locking of your jaw
- Extreme tooth sensitivity
- Flat, smooth areas on the biting surfaces of the teeth
Ignoring signs of bruxism will not make it go away; in fact, ignoring the signs that you are grinding your teeth will only lead to worsening and irreversible damage.
If you have any of the listed signs of bruxism, please contact Jefferson Dental Care today. We will examine your mouth and teeth and figure out a solution to maintain the health and beauty of your smile.
Posted on behalf of Jefferson Dental Care
