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Posted on 2/15/2019 by Rho Family Dentistry |
Do you grind your teeth at night? If so, you suffer from bruxism. While this condition often affects those under a great amount of stress, some people grind their teeth all the time, regardless of whether or not they're under a lot of pressure. Grinding your teeth while you sleep will eventually start to wear them down. There's also the risk that you'll actually clench your jaw so much that it cracks a tooth or two. But bruxism affects more than just your teeth. It also affects other parts of your mouth. Damaging Your JawBecause you're clenching your jaw muscles so tightly, bruxism often results in waking up with a sore face. It can also wear out your jaw muscles, making it difficult to open your mouth. Some people eventually start to suffer from locked jaw, a condition where the jaw can't be opened or closed. Pain in Your HeadDo you keep having something that seems like an earache? If so, it may not actually be a pain in your ear at all. Bruxism can result in pain that is very similar to that of an earache, but the issue actually starts in your jaw. Visiting a doctor for an earache is often how people learn that they're dealing with bruxism. Chewing on your CheekIn addition to grinding their teeth against each other, some people actually chew on the inside of their cheeks while they sleep. This can cause a number of issues, including causing your cheeks to bleed. That opens up an entry point for bacteria to get into your bloodstream and cause infections in other parts of the body. If you notice any of these symptoms or have unexplained pain in your teeth in the morning, call to make an appointment. Bruxism can be very destructive to your oral health, and we need to deal with it as soon as possible. |