Habitual and chronic teeth grinding and jaw clenching are known as bruxism by dental and medical professionals. Usually, a person who suffers from teeth grinding is unaware of their condition as it is a subconscious activity and usually happens at night. Untreated teeth grinding can have deleterious effects on the structural integrity of our teeth and our overall health. Therefore, it is imperative to seek treatment at the earliest to prevent complications such as jaw-joint disorders.Β
In this blog, we discuss some of the tell-tale signs that you are grinding your teeth at night.Β
- You wake up with a stiff and sore jaw joint.Β
- You have difficulty opening your mouth wide.Β
- You experience dull aching pain, which starts from the front of the ear and can radiate to the forehead, neck, and lower jaw. This is a typical manifestation of chronic teeth grinding.Β
- You wake up tired even after getting adequate sleep.
- You feel tired throughout the day and find it difficult to focus on any task.Β
- If you have a roommate or a partner who sleeps with you in the same room, they complain of grinding sounds.Β
- Constant teeth grinding leads to the wearing off of the teeth. If you notice that your teeth are smaller than they used to be, it is a sign of teeth grinding trauma.Β
- You have swollen and tender gums.Β
- You have generalized teeth attrition, which is often a characteristic sign of teeth grinding. This weakens the teeth' structure and makes them susceptible to further damage.Β
If you are experiencing any of the signs and symptoms mentioned above, it is a possibility that you are suffering from bruxism. Please schedule an appointment with us at Wilmington Orthodontics at the earliest to get it checked and treated for optimum relief. If you have any more questions, please reach out to us. Our team of excellent dental professionals is here to assist you.Β
