Do you grind your teeth? This is a somewhat common habit that many people do not realize they are doing until they develop symptoms of pain and discomfort. The symptoms of teeth grinding are important to know. If you are grinding, the chances are good that there is damage being done to your teeth, jaw, and overall oral health.
Reach out to our team at Lovett Dental Missouri City at 281-969-5099 to get the specialty dentistry services you need.
What Are the Symptoms of Teeth Grinding?
Many people grind their teeth, which means they have a condition called bruxism. When it occurs, the upper and lower teeth come together and rub into each other. Like any other two hard surfaces applying pressure to themselves, this wears down the teeth and can cause a range of pain and soreness. Most people will have a few of these symptoms of teeth grinding if they are doing it – even if they do not know they are.
You may have facial pain, especially in the area of the upper check and along your gum lines. This pain feels like a soreness rather than a shooting pain. Often, it can be intense, but it is also common for it to be a dull, aching pain.
Stiffness in the jaw is often felt after waking up if you grind your teeth at night. It is common to feel as if your jaw joint is stiff and sore. In some cases, this can develop into TMJ.
Some people experience ear pain, as well. This type of pain can feel like a traditional earache or a dull ache in the area surrounding the teeth.
Many people also experience tooth pain, especially in the back teeth. You may not recognize this as a sharp pain, but more of a soreness to the teeth and gums near them.
In addition, constant pressure can easily cause headaches for those who are grinding. These are typically dull and can be long-lasting. Some will dissipate after some time after waking up.
What Should You Do?
If you have the symptoms of teeth grinding, it is important to take steps to fix the underlying concern. This often means visiting your family dentist to find out what steps you can take to improve your oral health. This could include:
- Dental exams and x-rays
- Root canal treatments for cavities
- Orthodontic treatments and devices
- Periodontal disease treatment
- Professional teeth cleaning
- Custom dental nightguards
How can these types of services work as a bruxism treatment? In short, if you have any areas in your mouth that are painful or no longer aligned properly, this can put pressure on your teeth. It can lead to pain that, in some cases, leads to grinding.
However, bruxism treatment does not stop at just addressing the causes. In addition to this, it becomes important for you to work with your dentist to find solutions. Dental nightguards are one of the options for this. It can work to reduce the pain you feel but also provide you with relief from grinding all night long.
There are appliances available for day time use as well. These devices prevent your teeth from grinding into each other. They do stop you from the actual grinding movement in all cases. Your dentist may offer other solutions for a bruxism treatment that goes beyond these guards.
Explore Treatment Options at Lovett Dental Missouri City
When it comes to the symptoms of teeth grinding, you know when you have pain and need help. Our bruxism treatment can be a way to finally feel pain relief. Turn to our team a Lovett Dental Missouri City for all of your oral health needs. Reach out to us by calling 281-969-5099 today.
