Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
If you notice that your teeth look worn or fractured, if you have unexplained facial pain, or headaches, you may have bruxism. This is an unconscious habit of grinding or clenching your teeth. Also common is sleep bruxism, where a sleeper grinds his teeth. While mild cases may not need any treatment, more severe cases may be treated with a mouth guard or splint. Sometimes reducing stress or managing stress can help. The condition is more common in children, and they often grow out of it by their teens.
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- Q What are the effects of tooth grinding?
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The effects of teeth grinding (bruxism) can vary. They include: dull headaches jaw soreness teeth that are painful or loose fractured teeth If you’re concerned about teeth grinding, ask your dentist about the potential causes and, if necessary,... Full Answer
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- Q Why should I be concerned if I grind my teeth?
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Teeth grinding (bruxism) can have a negative impact on your oral health. Teeth grinding can be caused by stress or anxiety, sleep disorders, an abnormal bite or teeth that are missing or crooked. The symptoms of teeth grinding include: dull... Full Answer
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- Q What is TMJ and how does it relate to teeth grinding (bruxism)?
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The temporomandibular joints, called TMJ, are the joints and jaw muscles that make it possible to open and close your mouth. Located on each side of the head, your TMJ work together when you chew, speak or swallow and include muscles and ligaments as... Full Answer
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- Q What is biofeedback and how does it treat teeth grinding (bruxism)?
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Biofeedback is a mind/body therapy that can help you identify and control your stress response, including teeth grinding, or bruxism. Based on the premise that physical health and emotional well-being are closely linked, biofeedback may help... Full Answer
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- Q Do I need to be concerned if I grind my teeth?
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If you grind your teeth regularly, talk to your dentist. Not only does teeth grinding cause facial pain such as headache, sore jaw, toothache or earache, but repeated grinding can wear down your teeth and cause them to crack or loosen fillings. Regular... Full Answer
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- Q How can I get my child to stop grinding his teeth while sleeping?
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The causes of bruxism are not known but many believe that stress, sleep disorders and an abnormal bite all play a role. If you suspect your child is grinding his teeth at night or have heard evidence indicating that he is grinding, schedule an... Full Answer
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- Q What are the treatment options for teeth grinding (bruxism)?
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Bruxism treatment depends on each individual’s situation. Your dentist may recommend stress reduction, or wearing a protective night guard over your teeth while you sleep. He or she may also recommend medications for pain or muscles spasms and... Full Answer
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- Q Should I talk to my doctor about my teeth grinding (bruxism) symptoms?
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If you suspect you are grinding your teeth, schedule an appointment with your dentist. Your dentist can diagnose bruxism by looking for unusual wear spots on your teeth and assessing related symptoms. He or she can also help you manage your bruxism and... Full Answer
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- Q When is teeth grinding (bruxism) serious?
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Teeth grinding, or bruxism, it not serious in itself but it can sometimes lead to serious consequences for your mouth. People who suffer from bruxism may have the following symptoms: headache sore jaw frequent toothaches facial pain worn or... Full Answer
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- Q What are the symptoms of teeth grinding (bruxism)?
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The following are symptoms of bruxism: headache sore jaw frequent toothaches facial pain worn or cracked teeth or fillings loose teeth earache insomnia If you suspect you are grinding your teeth, schedule an appointment with your dentist. Your... Full Answer
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