Our own sleep habits can remain a mystery to us. We may need a disgruntled partner or roommate to enlighten us to the truth about something mild, like snoring, to something more serious, like grinding or clenching your teeth.
Bruxism is the act of grinding or clenching your teeth, especially at nighttime. Many people who suffer from bruxism can be completely unaware that they have an actual, treatable health condition. In fact, studies have shown that as many as eight percent of adults and a third of children grind their teeth at night.
While a complaint from an outside observer can be helpful, it’s not the only form of diagnosis. There are other signs you can watch out for if you think you may suffer from bruxism.
Grinding or clenching can result in serious problems for your teeth if left untreated. If you think you may grind or clench at night, keep on the lookout for symptoms such as:
Beyond these symptoms, there are other signs of bruxism that dentists are trained to find, including:
Keep in mind that if you’re unsure whether or not you’re battling bruxism, the only way to be certain is to see a dentist and get a diagnosis.
If you are grinding or clenching your teeth, what are your options for treatment? It depends on the extent of the damage caused before diagnosis. Typical treatment options include:
The key to managing bruxism is to catch it before it’s done too much damage. If you suspect you might be grinding or clenching your teeth at night, don’t delay. Our experienced West Michigan night guard dentists can help you stop grinding or clenching your teeth. With four practices in West Michigan, we have the capability of handling all of your family’s dental needs. To schedule an appointment, call MI Smiles Dental at (616) 974-4990.
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