14 Feb Teeth Grinding: A Dangerous Dental Habit to Break
Do you grind your teeth? Perhaps you clench them when you’re angry, stressed, or in pain. Teeth grinding and clenching, formally known as “bruxism” could cause serious oral health problems and diminish your quality of life. Those who brux their teeth might need endodontic therapy and restorations like crowns from our dentist.
If you clench or grind your teeth, it’s important to take actionable steps to break this habit before it breaks your teeth.
What is bruxism?
Bruxism is the habit of grinding and clenching one’s teeth and jaws. Once this habit develops, patients might even brux in their sleep.
Why is bruxism bad for my dental health?
Grinding and clenching can cause far-reaching oral health concerns. For example, those who brux suffer with worn dentition, increased risks for tooth decay and abscesses, orthodontic issues, and orofacial pain like TMJ dysfunction and headaches.
How can dental treatments improve the effects of teeth grinding?
There are numerous ways your dentist can help you recover from bruxism. If your teeth have been damaged by this habit, you might need endodontic therapy like root canal treatment and dental crowns to rebuild the structures of damaged teeth.
Beyond direct damage to teeth, bruxism can cause orthodontic and occlusal issues along with TMJ disorder. Treating this kind of damage might include orthodontic care, oral surgeries, and the need for protective night guards.
What should I do to stop grinding and clenching my teeth?
If you have a habit of bruxism, it is important to take steps to break this habit. One way to help combat bruxism is through mindfulness. Practicing mindfulness can help us isolate when the urge to brux arises and stop it.
Since bruxism accompanies stress and pain, reducing anxiety and discomfort can have an effect on breaking the habit of clenching and grinding teeth.
If you find that you grind your teeth, be sure to bring this up with our dentist. Our team can help you break this habit and safeguard your oral health.