{"id":233,"date":"2016-06-22T13:34:50","date_gmt":"2016-06-22T13:34:50","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/morton-grove-dental-associates.mylocalbeacon01.com\/?p=233"},"modified":"2016-06-22T13:34:50","modified_gmt":"2016-06-22T13:34:50","slug":"the-harmless-habit-that-could-make-your-teeth-fall-out-literally","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mortongrovedentalassociates.com\/the-harmless-habit-that-could-make-your-teeth-fall-out-literally\/","title":{"rendered":"The “Harmless” Habit That Could Make Your Teeth Fall Out. Literally."},"content":{"rendered":"
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Do you wake up some mornings with a headache of origins you can\u2019t define? Do you experience vague muscle pain in your face? If so, you may be experiencing symptoms of bruxism. What\u2019s bruxism? You likely know it by its more informal name \u2013 two names, actually: \u201cclenching\u201d and \u201cgrinding.\u201d It\u2019s also not something you\u2019ll want to ignore, because bruxism wears down the surface of your teeth and sets you up for cavities and tooth fractures. Severe cases can even contribute to tooth loss. Let\u2019s find out how to stop this menace in its tracks.<\/p>\n

What Causes Bruxism?<\/h4>\n

At Morton Grove Dental, we\u2019ve seen many factors can combine to create a bruxism habit. Stress and anxiety are believed to be leading causes, as are a misaligned bite, missing teeth, and sleep abnormalities. Some medications can also trigger episodes, as can neurological or musculature illnesses. If you\u2019re experiencing pain or discomfort due to bruxism, give us a call at 847-470-0001<\/p>\n

Why Should I Be Concerned About Teeth Grinding? Isn\u2019t It Normal?<\/h4>\n

Teeth grinding may be common, but it\u2019s not \u201cnormal,\u201d per se. Because the stresses of bruxism affect the entire jaw, this pressure can create cracks and chips in teeth, and over time can contribute to a shortening of lower face height due to bone loss. If that sounds scary, it should. It\u2019s also a change you\u2019ve seen before \u2013 in individuals who have lost all their teeth and do not wear dentures. We\u2019re pretty sure that\u2019s not a look you\u2019re aiming to achieve.<\/p>\n

How Do I Know I Have a Problem, and What Treatments Are Available?<\/h4>\n

In many cases, we\u2019ll be able to see evidence of bruxism in your X-rays \u2013 and on the surface of your teeth \u2013 and will alert you to the problem long before you exhibit a single symptom, particularly if you sleep alone. Occasionally however, you may start to clench and grind between visits and begin to notice symptoms on your own. If that\u2019s more like your situation, and you find that you often wake with a sore jaw, a headache that goes away shortly after rising, or if a loved one tells you your teeth are making clickity-clankity noises all night, mention it the next time you\u2019re visiting us.<\/p>\n

As far as treatment goes, because the causes of bruxism are varied, the treatments vary as well. If we determine stress is the primary cause, we\u2019ll likely recommend you abstain from excessive caffeine and alcohol, and attempt some form of daily relaxation. Even something as simple as a warm bath before sleeping can work wonders.<\/p>\n

If your bite is a concern, we may suggest you visit an orthodontist for an evaluation, and if prescription medicine or neuromuscular illnesses are believed to be the cause, referral to the appropriate specialist would be part of your plan to break the habit.<\/p>\n

In each of these cases, though, we\u2019ll likely recommend a splint, or occlusal mouth guard to protect your teeth and bone from further damage. These protective devices are easy to wear, and contrary to what you may believe, will not impede your ability to get a good night\u2019s sleep. In fact, they tend to enhance the quality of your sleep so you\u2019ll wake up more refreshed.<\/p>\n

So, the next time you\u2019re sitting in one of our super-comfy chairs at Morton Grove Dental, ask if some sort of guard may be right for you. Many people go years without being aware they\u2019re clenching and grinding since it takes time for symptoms to show in your mouth. Getting a mouthguard or splint once you know you have this habit, though, will help you with headaches and muscle pain now \u2013 and tooth trouble down the road. And, we make some beautiful, comfortable mouthguards at Morton Grove Dental!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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