Most people have no idea they are grinding their teeth until someone hears them do it, or the dentist points out tooth issues associated with teeth grinding. When one experiences tooth grinding, it can create pain as well as teeth disfigurement. Following the signs below, if you discover the signs of teeth grinding, contact your dentist to receive assistance which can help avoid future problems directly caused by this action.
How to Identify Teeth Grinding?
Visual Inspection
The first thing you can do to see if you have visual features of teeth grinding is to inspect your teeth. Look in the mirror and try to determine if your teeth appear the same size when it comes to length. If your teeth appear flat, it could be because you are grinding them down in your sleep.
In addition to the flat appearance, many individuals who grind their teeth may see thin vertical lines in the tooth’s enamel. This visual indication is almost always caused by grinding your teeth.
Jaw Pain
Perhaps the easiest way to identify potential teeth grinding issue, could be a sore or clenched jaw. Do you sometimes wake up from a restful night of slumber only to find a pulsing ache where your checkbones and jawline meet, or wake up with headaches? If yes, chances are you were grinding your teeth the night before.
Inherited
Teeth grinding can also be an inherited condition. If your parents or grandparents grind their teeth, then chances are, you do or will do it too. If you are a parent who has grinded your own teeth in the past, you may realize a child is grinding their teeth after listening to them while they sleep. If you have a sleeping partner, ask them to listen for grinding noises. Have they heard you late at night grinding your teeth? Perhaps off squeaking noises coming from your side of the bed at night? This is an indication of teeth grinding.
Treating the Problem
If you suspect that you are grinding your teeth, visit a dentist as soon as you can. Once a dentist diagnose your grinding problem, treatment can be provided. Commonly, a way to treat teeth grinding is a night guard. A night guard can be worn at night to cut down on the grinding of teeth. However, if a mouth guard is the solution, it still needs to be designed and fitted to your teeth.
If you feel that you are grinding your teeth and want to see a dentist – contact Regent Avenue Dental. We will be happy to assist you and find out how to treat the problem.
