When Teeth Grinding Becomes More Than a Nighttime Problem

Have you been made aware that you grind your teeth during the night? The symptoms of the problem might disrupt a partner’s sleep, or become more apparent when teeth wear down. In either case, somebody is not getting the rest they deserve and your oral health is suffering.

Teeth grinding is known as bruxism and most commonly occurs when the sufferer is sleeping. Unfortunately, it can take time for symptoms to become apparent. You may experience significant wear-and-tear to teeth surfaces before you even know there is an issue.

Sleep Disruption

Grinding your teeth can cause sleep disruption to you and your partner. In the case of the former, you may not understand the root cause of tiredness and reduced cognitive functions. A partner, however, will know full well why he or she did not get a good night’s rest.

Sleep deprivation can impact your social life, work and safety. Driving when tired is a major factor in many motor vehicle accidents. If you find your attention span is beginning to diminish or you are making more mistakes, bruxism may be a factor.

Tooth Pain & Deterioration

Tooth pain may stem from excessive grinding alone or as the result of damage to enamel. The more you wear down the surfaces of the teeth, the greater the risk there is of decay and infection. Bruxism often damages teeth slowly over time. Without regular dental checkups, painful symptoms may represent the first indication that you have a problem.

Another issue that sufferers of bruxism experience is jaw pain. Grinding alone can cause muscles and tendons to ache. When you wear your teeth down, a misaligned bite can lead to jaw pain and stiffness. These symptoms are usually most severe in the morning and will ease throughout the day.

Teeth Grinding Consultation

At Sacramento Emergency Dentist, we understand the impact of dental pain from grinding teeth. If you wake up in agony, reach out to our team for fast and effective relief. Call today for an appointment or to ask for home treatment advice.