Bruxism: How It Harms Your Teeth While You Sleep and Tips To Prevent It

It is quite common for most people to grind and clench their teeth from time to time. But the teeth get damaged and oral health complications arise when people grind the teeth more regularly.

Bruxism is considered a sleep-related movement disorder when people regularly grind their teeth during sleep. People who have it are likely to have other sleep disorders.

Why Is It Harmful?

Teeth grinding leads to several problems in an individual. It results in fracturing, loosening, or permanent loss of teeth. Chronic teeth grinding wear down the teeth.

Chronic teeth grinding leads an individual to opt for teeth restorative options. People with this disorder might need bridges, crowns, root canals, implants, partial dentures, or even complete dentures. Severe teeth grinding also affects your jaw, neck muscles and leads to TMD. It can even affect the structure of your face.

Children are also prone to bruxism. It can lead to headaches, jaw pain, TMJ disorders, and wear and tear on the teeth. Allergies, misaligned teeth, mouth irritation, obstructive sleep apnea, heredity are the reasons that cause bruxism in children.

How to Prevent Teeth Grinding

There is no treatment that can stop tooth grinding. However, mouthguards are given by dentists in some cases to prevent further damage. The dentist suggests wearing it before going to bed. Here are other ways:

Because stress is a cause of bruxism, stress counseling, an exercise program, a massage, or stretching exercises are some ways of relieving stress and may reduce bruxism.
Treating the sleeping disorder helps to eliminate the habit if that is causing the problem.
Avoid alcohol. Teeth grinding tends to intensify after the consumption of alcohol.
Avoid foods and drinks that contain caffeine, such as cola or coffee.
Avoid drugs and cigarettes.
Do not chew on anything other than food such as pens or pencils. Chewing gum should also be avoided as it makes your jaw muscles used to clenching. Chewing gum tends to make you grind your teeth.
Try to stop teeth clenching during the day. Keep your tongue between your teeth if you experience clenching during the daytime. This helps make the jaw muscles relax.

Schedule an appointment with Picacho Dental to help you prevent your problems with teeth grinding. Walk into 3325 S Ave 8 E Suite 4, Yuma, AZ 85365. Contact us at (928) 344-3177 or visit our website to book an appointment with us.