Teeth grinding has got to be one of the most recognizable sounds. You know it when you hear it. You could be doing it during your sleep and not even know it. The truth is: It’s just as destructive and damaging as all those grating and grinding noises make you think.
The worst part about teeth grinding is that it can lead to more health issues like severe headaches and jaw pain. Luckily for you, Trade Winds Dental and Dr. Derek Winegar are here to help with our exclusive restorative services.
What is Bruxism?
Bruxism is the more clinical term for teeth grinding that you might hear your Georgetown dentist refer to. Most people grind or clench their teeth while they’re awake and asleep. When you’re doing it unconsciously is when teeth grinding can become dangerous to your teeth:
Possible symptoms of bruxism can include:</p> <ul>
- Dull headache near the temples
- Pain in the jaw or face
- Stiff neck or shoulders
- Tired, tight, or locked jaw
- Earache
- Tooth and gum pain or sensitivity
- Worn down tooth enamel
- Flattened, chipped, or fractured teeth
- Sores from chewing on the inside of the cheek
- Disrupted sleep
Your sleep isn’t good, and there’s also a good chance your bed partner is struggling due to the sounds of teeth grinding we talked about earlier. Do any of these symptoms sound familiar to you? Remember that it’s essential to talk to your restorative dentist in Georgetown to determine the cause. From there, we can take the necessary steps to correct it!
The Painful Consequences
If you grind your teeth here and there, you might not notice any damage to your smile that will lead to more severe side effects. It’s a different story with more chronic bruxism. You might:
- Wear down your teeth to the stumps
- Cause serious tooth fracture
- Lead to complete loss of teeth
Have you already had dental work done in the past, like crowns and other restorative dentistry? Grinding your teeth could also give you a new reality if you put them under constant pressure and jeopardy.</span></p> <p>Do you see why we’re dedicated to stopping teeth grinding in Georgetown? It damages your smile and can ruin even the best preventive care. Call Trade Winds Dental today at (512) 572-3653 or reach out online.