Teeth Grinding 101

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Unfortunately, many people are victims of the teeth-grinding habit. This habit involves clenching and grinding the teeth when you are asleep. It might also happen when you’re awake; this symptom usually means the habit is quite dangerous. If you’re not careful, teeth grinding, at any time, can severely harm and damage your smile.

One of the most common causes of the teeth-grinding habit is stress. When you are stressed, you naturally clench and grind your teeth. Another cause of this habit is a sleep disorder like sleep apnea. If this is the case for you, it’s best to take care of both issues as soon as you can. The last common causes are an irritation in the mouth, allergies, and misaligned teeth. These last causes are most common in children.

If your teeth-grinding habit isn’t treated quickly, it can result in a damaged smile because it likely causes broken and chipped teeth. You might also suffer from severe headaches, jaw soreness, and even loose teeth.

Fortunately, there are treatments available to help you and your smile. Those treatments include using a nightguard, using relaxation methods, taking relaxation medication, taking care of a sleep disorder, and adjusting your life habits.

If you have any questions about teeth grinding in Roy, Utah, or if you would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Chad Howe regarding treatment, please call us at 801-776-1240 today. Our dental team at Howe Dental will be more than happy to help you!