Many people grind their teeth while sleeping. This is referred to as bruxism and when done from time to time, does not cause any major problems. When teeth grinding occurs on a regular basis, however, your teeth can suffer permanent damage. That’s why it’s important to find out why you grind your teeth and how you can minimize its occurrence.

What are the reasons for Bruxism?

For many people, teeth grinding results from anxiety and stress. When it happens during sleep, it can be the result of an abnormal bite or even crooked and missing teeth. In some cases, bruxism can be caused by a sleep disorder known as sleep apnea. At Absolute Smile, we work with individuals and families to provide them with the highest quality dental care available. If you are prone to bruxism, we can help.

Do I have Bruxism?

Most people who grind their teeth at night are unaware that it is happening. However, if you wake up with a sore jaw or with a headache, then there’s a high probability that you’ve been grinding your teeth at night. If you suspect that you have been grinding your teeth at night, then consider making an appointment with your dental care provider to tell him or her the details. A good dentist can examine your teeth and look for signs of bruxism.

How serious is Bruxism?

If bruxism isn’t detected and treated in a reasonable amount of time, it can lead to fracturing or loss of teeth. This is because chronic grinding eventually wears down your teeth until they are just small knobs in your mouth. If bruxism gets this bad, it can lead to the need for root canals, implants and even dentures.

At Absolute Smile, we can help you find out if teeth grinding is harming our teeth so that you can correct it as soon as possible. Our trained and compassionate staff are always ready to assist patients with whatever level of care is necessary to restore their oral health.