Are your teeth always sore? Do you tend to feel pain in your jaw? The cause of these symptoms may be habitual teeth grinding, or bruxism. If you are experiencing soreness and pain frequently, your bruxism can lead to severe headaches, jaw disorders such as TMJ, and other issues. The grinding of your teeth can wear them down, causing them to chip and become loose. Eventually, your enamel will erode away and expose dentin, the soft inner body of your tooth. There are several reasons you may be suffering from this condition. Knowing them can help lead to a treatment that works best for you.
Causes Of Bruxism
Although it is not completely understood by doctors what causes bruxism, there are a number of physical and psychological issues that have been connected with this condition. These include:
- Negative emotions such as anxiety, anger, or stress.
- Malocclusion, or imperfect positioning of the teeth when the jaws are closed.
- A side effect of certain psychiatric medications.
Treating Bruxism
If your bruxism is a symptom of malocclusion, your dentist may recommend braces or oral surgery. This will help treat the grinding while also improving the health and quality of your bite. In other cases, your dentist can design you a mouth guard to keep your teeth separated while you are asleep. If it’s apparent that your teeth clenching is a symptom of anxiety or other mental health issues, your dentist may also recommend you to a professional counselor who can provide you with strategies to promote relaxation, such as meditation or exercise.
