When you’re stressed or nervous, do you clench your jaws and gnash your teeth? Is your lover complaining about how loudly you clench your teeth while sleeping? If you answered yes, you have bruxism.
Although most people are unconcerned about this problem, it should not be overlooked. Learn more about bruxism, how to spot the signs, and how to help yourself.
WHAT IS BRUXISM?
Bruxism is a condition characterized by unconscious gnashing of teeth and jaw clenching. It can cause headaches, earaches, tooth damage, and other issues.
Bruxism affects more than half of the world’s adults. This distressing illness affects approximately 15% of children.
If you have bruxism, you may clench your teeth while awake, although it happens most often at night. Because they gnash and grit their teeth when sleeping and unconscious, many people are unaware that they have bruxism. As a result, it’s critical to understand the signs and symptoms of bruxism.
SYMPTOMS
Some of the symptoms of bruxism are:
Toothed tooth enamel;
Sensitivity of the teeth to hot and cold;
Broken teeth;
Flat masticatory surface of the teeth;
Jaw pain;
Enlarged jaw muscles;
Headache;
Pain in the ears.
REASONS FOR THE APPEARANCE OF BRUXISM
The actual origins of bruxism are unknown, and there are various theories about what causes bruxism. Stress and worry are the most typical causes of bruxism. Experts claim that persons with bruxism unconsciously gnash their teeth to relieve tension and stress.
Hidden anger, alcohol and caffeine consumption, smoking, sinus and sleep issues, improper alignment of the upper and lower jaw teeth, tooth loss, and other factors can all contribute to bruxism.
TIPS
- The most prevalent cause of bruxism is stress. Look for a way to de-stress. Choose a relaxing activity to accompany this. You can work out, meditate, or get a massage on a regular basis.
- Avoid eating or drinking right before bedtime. Eating or drinking before bedtime, particularly alcohol, can aggravate your issue. So stay away from this bad behavior.
- Dress in nightgowns. They safeguard your teeth by reducing the pressure you unwittingly apply to them. These guards are custom-made to fit your needs.
- Use warm compresses to soothe the face. Place a warm cloth on both sides of the face in the jaw area after soaking it in warm water. The jaw muscles will be relaxed as a result of this.
- Keep your teeth separated. Teeth should only be touched when chewing food. During the day, keep your teeth separated and your lips joined. This will reduce the need to clench your jaw and gnash your teeth.
