Teeth grinding or clenching is a common dental issue; this condition effects between 30 and 40 million Americans.  This can be something you’re aware of, or something you may not know about until you talk to your dentist.  You may do it when you’re stressed, when you’re excited, or unconsciously when you’re sleeping.  It may seem relatively harmless, but in truth it can be a damaging habit that needs to be broken.  Modesto Dental can help.

Teeth grinding is known in the dental world as “bruxism”.  Most dentists agree that this is caused by misaligned teeth.  It is important to be informed of the symptoms because many people are unaware of their habit, and because roughly 30% of children grind their teeth, which means that a parent must be aware of what to look for.  Do you wake up with a headache, tight, sore jaw muscles, or an earache regularly? Does your bedmate complain that they can hear a grinding noise while you sleep?  Are you depressed or anxious?  Does your face hurt in the morning?  Do your jaw muscles appear swollen?  Any combination of these things may point to bruxism, and it is important to see a dentist if you feel this may be you.  Bruxing wears down teeth, and can cause cracks or breaks, sometimes causing damage to fillings or other fixtures.  When teeth are worn down, nerves can be exposed making teeth highly sensitive.  Bruxing can also damage your hearing, and can worsen, or be the cause of, TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder).

While seeing your dentist is a very important step in fixing your bruxism, there are some steps you can take on your own.  First of all, only chew on food.  Chewing gum, pencils, or anything else trains your jaw to clench.  Keep a constant mental tab on your jaw, relaxing whenever your jaw muscles tighten.  Avoid caffeine and alcohol.  Hold a warm washcloth against your jaw muscles to help them relax and stay relaxed, and try massaging and stretching the jaw muscles.  If grinding persists, your dentist may recommend a mouth guard, or a course of action to correct your bite.