In the 21st century, it seems like no person is immune from stress. However, stress may not only lead to physical problems such as weight gain or weight loss and insomnia, but they can also lead to your teeth becoming all worn down. Teeth grinding is a dental condition which is characterized by the gnashing of teeth which leads to the wearing down of the dental enamel layer. While bruxism, as teeth grinding is also known, can be caused by a number of factors, one very prevalent reason for why teeth grinding develops is because of anxiety or stress.

What is bruxism?

Bruxism is basically teeth grinding which is excessive and uncontrolled. In fact, majority of individuals with bruxism often do not know that they have the condition. This is because the grinding episodes happen while one is asleep

How is bruxism diagnosed?

Bruxism is difficult to diagnose especially if the grinding episodes happen while one is asleep. However, if you do sleep next to someone, your spouse, partner or roommate might notice you grinding in your sleep especially if you make enough noise to wake them up. Other symptoms of bruxism is when you wake up with a headache or soreness in your jaws. Your dentist will have to take note of these signs and symptoms as well as analyze the degree of wear on your teeth in order to diagnose if you have teeth grinding or not.

How does bruxism affect your teeth?

Because of the continuous friction which is generated as your teeth rub against each other, the dental enamel will slowly become thinner. As the gnashing continues, the enamel layer will completely be worn down to the point that the sufferer’s teeth all become vulnerable to dental conditions such as teeth sensitivity and abscessed teeth. This is because the protective enamel layer is stripped off from the grinding episodes.

How can your dentist help with your bruxism?

While treatment for bruxism in bruxism Winnebago IL & Rockford IL, involves addressing the underlying cause for why the condition exists, you can also protect your teeth from the harmful effects of teeth grinding. This includes wearing a mouthguard or a dental splint in order to cushion the teeth from the friction. You would need to see your dentist in order to make custom-made mouthguards which will ensure the best fit without having to change your bite or add any strain to your teeth.

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