Are you frequently waking up to a sore jaw or to headaches? Do you suffer with sensitive teeth and earaches throughout the day? Sadly, these could all be symptoms of bruxism, which is also commonly known as teeth grinding. This can be a serious problem that should be addressed by a professional as quickly as possible.
There can be many different causes of bruxism. For example TMJD can be the cause of bruxism, because the TMJ controls your mouth’s ability to open and shut your jaw. If something is wrong with your TMJ, your teeth could grind. Other causes can include acid reflux, sleep disorders, misaligned teeth, and anxiety and stress.
While it may be difficult to assess exactly what causes bruxism, there are a few treatment options available. For instance, a common treatment from bruxism is a custom made mouthguard. However, if your bruxism is mild, treatment won’t usually be necessary. However, a dentist may also correct misaligned teeth or help you address your other issues.
While bruxism may not seem like a serious issue, it can lead to significant trouble—and can be difficult to recognize. To help you avoid these problems, we encourage you to schedule frequent checkups with our team.
If you think you may have bruxism, or are simply interested in scheduling a checkup, please don’t hesitate to contact MI Roots Family Dental at 616-453-0002. Dr. Joseph Szymczak and our team will gladly answer any questions you may have. We’re excited to hear from you!