If you have stress, anxiety, or sleep apnea, you may clench your jaw and grind your teeth. This is a common issue, with one-third of adults doing it during the day and one in 10 doing it in their sleep. While it can be challenging to notice the damage this habit causes yourself, a dentist can spot this issue immediately thanks to signs like headaches, tooth damage, and jaw pain.
If you clench and grind your teeth due to sleep apnea, our professional team at Rockland Dental Specialists can help you. With over 24 years of collective experience and our high-quality services, you can rely on us to support you before, during, and after your treatment. We understand the pain and discomfort you may feel due to jaw clenching and teeth grinding, so we go above and beyond to provide relief and achieve positive, satisfying results.
4 Signs of Jaw Clenching and Teeth Grinding That Dentists Look For
Because many adults clench their jaw or grind their teeth in their sleep, they may not realize they are doing it. Therefore, it’s critical to see a dentist regularly so that they can spot any signs of these actions, including the following:
Headaches
Clenching and grinding your teeth, also known as bruxism, can cause tension in the jaw, making it feel tight and painful. This tension can cause those with bruxism to get frequent headaches, including when they wake up. Wearing a mouthguard at night can help prevent clenching, grinding, and the resulting headaches.
Jaw Issues
In some cases, bruxism may lead to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. This joint connects your lower jaw bone to your skull and helps with chewing and movement. The strain caused by bruxism can contribute to TMJ disorder and cause jaw pain. Additionally, bruxism may cause your masseter muscle to enlarge, changing the shape of your jaw to become more square.
Damaged Teeth
The repetitive motion of grinding your teeth can cause the protective enamel to wear quickly. This can lead to a shorter and flatter tooth shape and may even cause cracks and breakage, especially if you have crowns or previous dental work. Our team of professionals can help repair your damaged teeth and find a solution that helps prevent bruxism and future issues.
Tooth Sensitivity
If your bruxism has caused damage to your teeth, you may notice they are more sensitive to hot, cold, and crunchy foods. This is often a result of cracks in the teeth, allowing heat, cold, and bacteria to penetrate the tooth. If you experience this symptom, we can assess the severity of the damage and determine the best path forward, which may include a root canal or a dental crown to remove bacteria and protect the teeth.
Reach Out to the New City, NY Professionals at Rockland Dental Specialists for More Information About Teeth Grinding Treatments
If you clench or grind your teeth, you may experience symptoms like jaw pain and headaches that affect your daily life. However, it can be difficult to know the cause of the issues if you clench or grind your teeth during sleep. Fortunately, our experienced team at Rockland Dental Specialists is here to help determine if your symptoms result from bruxism and what treatment will help prevent this issue.
We proudly provide top-notch dental services to New City, NY patients using our 24 years of combined experience and state-of-the-art facilities. Not only do we take the best care of your teeth, but we also take the time to listen to your story and understand your unique needs to develop a plan that works for you. To learn more about bruxism and treatment options, give us a call at (845) 400-9205 or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation today.
