Teeth grinding, a condition in which patients clench or grind their teeth at night, can be very damaging to your health. Your teeth aren't prepared to withstand the constant pressure. Broken restorations, chipped teeth, and fractures are just some of the unwanted consequences that may have you visiting a dentist in Winter Park for an emergency.
Sadly, because grinding often occurs at night, most patients aren't aware of it until it's too late. Here are some tips to help you identify the warning signs.
5 Signs You Grind Your Teeth at Night
1. Enamel Wear
Enamel wear is the most common sign of bruxism. Dentists or hygienists often identify it when you go for your regular dental checkup or cleaning. It looks like a sander has been used on your teeth, or they look chiseled.
It is impossible for enamel to grow back after damage. If teeth grinding has damaged any areas, cavities can quickly fill them in. To protect the tooth, the dentist might have to fill in the missing space, place a crown over it, and ensure the tooth does not get cavities.
2. Disturb Your Partner's Sleep
Because you are asleep when bruxism occurs, your partner might be the one to notice it. When you grind your teeth, you tend to make sounds, especially if you are using your entire mouth. You may also snore loudly or move at night.
If your partner complains you're being noisy and that they can't sleep properly, it’s a sign to visit a dentist.
3. Headaches
Dental issues and headaches are closely related. You might believe you have neck strain or other problems, but it is caused by nighttime teeth grinding, which can cause problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
Opening and closing your mouth can quickly determine whether you have this issue. A popping sound indicates that the joint is worn down from excessive use, which results in excruciating pain.
4. Tooth Pain
Teeth grinding causes dental pain like a cavity. The enamel acts as a protective layer to your teeth, shielding them from bacteria and hot/cold sensations. You will experience tooth pain and sensitivity when biting into something hot or cold as soon as it wears off.
5. Face Pain
Have you ever felt muscle strain after working out? Your face's muscles can feel like that after a night of grinding. It's natural to feel some discomfort the next morning.
If your teeth's muscles hurt to the touch, you should have your mouth examined by a dentist.
Protect Your Smile with a Dentist in Winter Park
Most teeth grinders don't realize they have bruxism until other symptoms develop. By then, the damage is already done, and dental restorations may be the only alternative to restoring their smile. Besides paying attention to these five signs, visiting the dentist regularly is crucial to identifying any issues early.
Here at Winter Park Dental, our qualified staff is trained to identify and offer effective solutions to bruxism. Contact us today to protect the future of your smile!