Bruxism
is a condition that involves grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw, usually when sleeping, but it can also happen throughout the day as well. If you wake up to a sore jaw each morning, it could be due to grinding or clenching. Bruxism can also cause pain in the muscles in the jaw or lead to your jaw clicking when you chew.
Bruxism can be caused by a number of different things. Read below to learn about the causes of bruxism and how you can find relief.
Teeth grinding and clenching may be caused by a few different things, such as factors in your daily routine. A few causes include the following:
- Stress: Stress is a big factor in bruxism. Stress from your job, money issues, or relationship problems can all lead to teeth grinding or clenching. If you are experiencing stress in your daily life, you may need to make some changes to relieve your stress and your bruxism issues.
- Caffeine: Too much caffeine in your day could cause you to grind your teeth. Try to limit the amount of caffeine you drink and how late in the day you drink it. If you are drinking too much caffeine later in the afternoon or evening, it could cause you to grind your teeth at night (possibly without even knowing you're doing it).
- Chewing/Biting: Chewing or biting on objects throughout the day could cause bruxism. If you are a nail biter or you chew on pen caps or pencils throughout the day, this is a habit you need to try and break. Not only can it cause bruxism, but it can also damage your teeth.
- Tooth injury: If you've had an injury or damage to your teeth, it could cause problems such as grinding/clenching. Be sure to have any and all tooth or jaw injuries treated by your dentist to prevent further problems.
Bruxism can be caused by these and other things as well. If you notice symptoms such as jaw pain when you wake, constant headaches (especially when you wake in the morning), change in how you chew, clicking noises when you chew or tired jaw muscles, it could be due to bruxism. Talk to your dentist if you notice any of these symptoms.
Bruxism should be diagnosed by your dentist. To give you relief at home there are a few things you can do.
Ease Stress
Try to get rid of stressful triggers in your day to day life. Back off of projects at work if work is causing you stress. If your stress is from other things, such as a relationship or money, make changes in your life to alleviate this stress. Try exercising or yoga to ease stress.
Massage Your Jaw
Massaging your jaw can help to alleviate pain associated with bruxism. You can use just your two fingers to massage your jaw muscles starting at the temple and working your way down your jawline and towards your mouth. Repeat on both sides.
Use Over-the-Counter Medication
Use an over-the-counter pain reliever to ease any pain in the jaw. It may be only a temporary relief, but it will help you.
Use a Mouthguard
Use a mouthguard at night when you're sleeping to prevent grinding your teeth or clenching your teeth. You can find night guards at your local pharmacy. It may feel awkward to sleep in at first, but it will prevent damage to your teeth and pain in your jaw.
If you have severe damage to your jaw or teeth due to bruxism, surgery may be required. Talk to your dentist if you suspect that you have Bruxism.
Talk to your dentist today at Family Dental Care of Wilmington to find relief from bruxism to prevent damage to your teeth and pain in the jaw.
