Grinding/Bruxism: You Might Not Know You're a Grinder! What Are The Signs?

Do you wake up with a headache in the morning and can't figure out why you're in pain? Does your jaw feel sore for no reason? If so, then you may be grinding your teeth at night.

What are Teeth Grinding?

Teeth grinding is also referred to as bruxism. It is a dental condition whereby one excessively grinds or clenches their teeth. Typically teeth grinding and clenching occurs mostly in sleep but some individuals may also grind and clench their teeth during the day time.

How to Know if I Grind My Teeth?

It's hard to find out if you're grinding your teeth because grinding often occurs during sleep. Most people are unaware of the fact that they grind their teeth. However, a mild headache or sore jaw after you wake up is a significant symptom of bruxism.

If you suspect that you might be grinding your teeth, talk to our Dentist in Little Rock and evaluate your mouth and jaw for signs of grinding such as excessive wear of teeth and jaw tenderness.

What are The Causes of Teeth Grinding?

The exact cause of teeth grinding is not always clear, and there are numerous different theories linked to it such as stress, anxiety, or sleep disorder.

1. Sleep Disorder: If you're having a Snoring Treatment in Little Rock or have a sleep disorder such as Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA), then you're most likely to grind your teeth while you're asleep, as OSA interrupts your breathing while you're in sleep. Below are some other sleep disorder points that are more likely to grind your teeth.
   • Talk or whisper while asleep.
   • Violent behavior while asleep such as kicking out or punching.
   • Experiencing hallucination while asleep, where you hear or see things that are not real.
2. Stress and Anxiety: Anxiety happens naturally, but some people experience it more than others. Teeth grinding is most often caused by stress, or anxiety and many people are not aware of it.
3. Medicine: Teeth grinding can sometimes be a side effect of taking certain types of medicine known as Antidepressant, Paroxetine, Fluoxetine, and Sertraline.

Signs of Teeth Grinding

Here are a few signs and symptoms about teeth grinding to keep a track:

1. Wake up with a Headache or Facial Pain: Along with waking up with aching teeth or a sore jaw is a sign of teeth grinding. But, you might also wake up with a pounding headache and other facial soreness.
2. Small Cracks on Teeth: If you have chipped teeth, then it's likely you've been grinding your teeth for a longer time than you even knew.
3. Back Teeth Gets Flat: The damage from teeth grinding is only noticeable after weeks or years of continued wearing. That's the reason it's essential to check your back teeth. If they are flat or have potholes on them, it's a good indication of teeth grinding.
4. Teeth Sensitivity: Teeth grinding can cause worn-down teeth, which can lead to increased sensitivity and even tooth loss.

Teeth grinding doesn't have to be a dental nightmare if you act quickly and begin to take the right precaution. If you're experiencing any of the above symptoms, call Cloud Family Dental at (501) 868-3800 and place an appointment today.