Have you ever been so mad, anxious, or nervous that you catch yourself grinding your teeth? Or maybe instead of grinding you catch yourself gritting your teeth firmly together with great force? Changes are you have, we’ve all done it. The problem is that by doing this often, individuals can actually wear down their teeth.
The process of grinding your teeth is also known as Bruxism. It isn’t the prettiest word, though neither is the action. Bruxism can be very detrimental to the look of one’s teeth, and can even lead to painful jaw problems like Temporomandibular Joint problems or (TMJ). In certain cases some individuals don’t even realize that they’re doing it at all. These individuals will grind their teeth subconsciously, during the day or while asleep.
There are a number of factors to consider when discussing Bruxism. Stress levels, diet, sleeping habits, or even your posture can translate into increased or decreased grinding habits. In addition, the alignment of an individual’s teeth can affect how often or to what degree grinding takes place.
For those who suffer from chronic Bruxism, life can be difficult. A sore jaw or headache may only represent the tip of the iceberg. Depression, insomnia, or the development of eating disorders can be other results of regular grinding.
The most important thing to keep in mind, for those affected by Bruxism is to un-lean this regular activity. Learning certain stretching techniques can help restore normal jaw movement, as can regular sleep and relaxation strategies. If you have concerns about Bruxism, you should contact your local dentist’s office for more information. Your dentist may offer certain suggestions specific to your situation, or may recommend other specialists that you can see.
