If you have frequent headaches and jaw pain with no obvious cause, then bruxism may be to blame. Bruxism, a condition marked by teeth grinding and jaw clenching typically affects around 8% of adults, but up to 30% of adults may be affected in their lifetime. Many people may not even be aware they are experiencing symptoms. Awareness can be reduced even more as the symptoms of bruxism often happen during sleep. Modern Family Dentists can help you find the cause and offer a variety of bruxisn treatments to ease your pain and protect your teeth from further damage.
What is bruxism?
Bruxism is a condition that causes people to excessively grind their teeth or clench their jaw without realising it, which can cause unnecessary pain and damage to their teeth.
Some people clench their jaw or grind their teeth while under stress or while concentrating, which is not unusual. Bruxism, however, is when teeth grinding or jaw clenching happens regularly without being aware of it happening.
Sufferers may grind or clench while awake (‘awake bruxism’) or at night while asleep (‘sleep bruxism’), or both.
How do I know if I have bruxism?
If you experience any the following symptoms without any other obvious cause, then you may be suffering from bruxism:
- Pain in your face – mainly around the jaw and mouth
- Headache
- Earache
- Jaw pain and stiffness
- Poor sleep
- Worn down or sensitive teeth
- Broken teeth
These symptoms can be caused by, or even lead to other conditions such as temporomandibular disorder (TMJ). If you suffer from any of these symptoms, arrange an appointment with Modern Family Dentists LLC today. We can help find out the cause and arrange a suitable personalized treatment.
What causes bruxism?
Although there are many reasons people experience bruxism, most cases are found to be caused by:
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Sleep problems
However, it is not unusual for a combination of these causes to lead to bruxism.
Teeth grinding and jaw clenching can also be a side effect of both prescription and recreational drugs. A type of antidepressant medication known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as fluoxetine, paroxetine and sertraline, and the recreational substance ecstasy are linked to excessive teeth grinding and jaw clenching.
Many lifestyle choices can also cause bruxism, such as:
- Alcohol consumption
- Smoking
- Excessive caffeine consumption
How can bruxism be treated?
While it is always better to treat the cause – such as reducing stress and anxiety, or minimizing alcohol consumption and stopping smoking – the symptoms of bruxism can be treated in a variety of ways.
A custom-made mouth guard can protect your teeth and reduce the pain caused by bruxism, and muscle relaxation exercises can reduce the likelihood of jaw clenching.
If you suffer from any of the associated symptoms of bruxism, schedule an appointment with Modern Family Dentists LLC as soon as possible. We’ll be happy to help you find the cause of your teeth grinding and jaw clenching, and develop a fully personalized treatment plan based on your personal circumstances. Not only can early treatment save you the needless pain caused by bruxism, but can also save you money by preventing unnecessary tooth damage. Visit us today to experience the friendly, professional and attentive care that makes Modern Family Dentists LLC so popular in the Kenosha area – and remember, Smiles Change Outcomes.