To Grind Or Not To Grind? An All-on-four Denture Specialist In Chicago Explains!
Most people are completely unaware that they suffer from bruxism. Bruxism is the state described as grinding your teeth. The reason why most people are unaware that they grind their teeth is because it typically occurs during sleeping hours. Often people only learn that they do this because it keeps their loved ones from sleeping soundly. An implant dentist in Chicago informs us that bruxism can be caused by anxiety or stress, as well as having crooked teeth or an abnormal bite.
It is always recommended that you visit your dentist at least twice a year for a general check-up, especially if you suspect that something is wrong. If you are presenting with signs of bruxism, such as teeth that have a very even bite surface or jaw tenderness, go to see your dentist before you grind your teeth down to the dentine and risk actually losing teeth, finding yourself in need of All on four dentures in Chicago. Chicago dentists advise that most oral health ailments are easily treatable if diagnosed early.
Why is Grinding My Teeth an Oral Health Risk?
When you grind your teeth, you can essentially file them down to stumps. This affects your natural bite, making it uneven and chronic teeth grinding can eventually result in fracturing, loosening and sometimes even the loss of teeth. If your condition progresses to the point of tooth loss and fracture, you will have to consider options along the lines of bridges, crowns, root canals, dental implants or even dentures, informs dental implant specialist in Chicago. Furthermore bruxism can also put undue stress upon your jaw and temporomandibular joint, result in chronic headaches, hearing loss and even a change the appearance of your face over time as your jaw structure changes.
How Can I Stop Grinding My Teeth?
Luckily there are easy solutions to help you cease your night-time grinding. For instance, your dentist can fit you with a protective mouth guard, which you can wear while you sleep in order to keep you from grinding your teeth at night. If your grinding is symptomatic of stress related reasons, you can ask your dentist or doctor about options which can help reduce your stress levels. Often it can be as simple as taking on a regular exercise routine, seeing a physical therapist or even taking muscle relaxants to reduce physical stress. There are however a few more options which may help reduce your grinding habits:
"Take note of your oral habits during the day, train yourself to not clench or grind your teeth during the day, and avoid chewing on things that aren"t edible, such as a pen or another inanimate object of your chewing choice.
"Cut back on caffeine, this includes coffee, cola and chocolate.
"Avoid alcohol as it causes increased grinding.
"Don"t chew gum as this conditions your jaw to get used to clenching and makes you more likely to grind.
"Actively try to relax your jaw muscles during the day and at night before you go to bed.
A Last Word
Bruxism is far more common than you might think, and it is easy to ignore for a while however eventually it will lead to far more serious oral ailments. Since it is such an easily treated condition, there is really no reason not to visit your dentist sooner rather than later and save yourself time and money by preventing it from furthering to a more serious state. So if you find you are experiencing jaw tenderness or an uneven bite, go see your local friendly dentist just to be on the safe side!
It is always recommended that you visit your dentist at least twice a year for a general check-up, especially if you suspect that something is wrong. If you are presenting with signs of bruxism, such as teeth that have a very even bite surface or jaw tenderness, go to see your dentist before you grind your teeth down to the dentine and risk actually losing teeth, finding yourself in need of All on four dentures in Chicago. Chicago dentists advise that most oral health ailments are easily treatable if diagnosed early.
Why is Grinding My Teeth an Oral Health Risk?
When you grind your teeth, you can essentially file them down to stumps. This affects your natural bite, making it uneven and chronic teeth grinding can eventually result in fracturing, loosening and sometimes even the loss of teeth. If your condition progresses to the point of tooth loss and fracture, you will have to consider options along the lines of bridges, crowns, root canals, dental implants or even dentures, informs dental implant specialist in Chicago. Furthermore bruxism can also put undue stress upon your jaw and temporomandibular joint, result in chronic headaches, hearing loss and even a change the appearance of your face over time as your jaw structure changes.
How Can I Stop Grinding My Teeth?
Luckily there are easy solutions to help you cease your night-time grinding. For instance, your dentist can fit you with a protective mouth guard, which you can wear while you sleep in order to keep you from grinding your teeth at night. If your grinding is symptomatic of stress related reasons, you can ask your dentist or doctor about options which can help reduce your stress levels. Often it can be as simple as taking on a regular exercise routine, seeing a physical therapist or even taking muscle relaxants to reduce physical stress. There are however a few more options which may help reduce your grinding habits:
"Take note of your oral habits during the day, train yourself to not clench or grind your teeth during the day, and avoid chewing on things that aren"t edible, such as a pen or another inanimate object of your chewing choice.
"Cut back on caffeine, this includes coffee, cola and chocolate.
"Avoid alcohol as it causes increased grinding.
"Don"t chew gum as this conditions your jaw to get used to clenching and makes you more likely to grind.
"Actively try to relax your jaw muscles during the day and at night before you go to bed.
A Last Word
Bruxism is far more common than you might think, and it is easy to ignore for a while however eventually it will lead to far more serious oral ailments. Since it is such an easily treated condition, there is really no reason not to visit your dentist sooner rather than later and save yourself time and money by preventing it from furthering to a more serious state. So if you find you are experiencing jaw tenderness or an uneven bite, go see your local friendly dentist just to be on the safe side!
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