And why you’re more likely to end up at your after hours dentist
There are lots of different problems that can affect your oral health. The food and drinks you ingest, your oral health habits, and your genetics can all cause problems and concerns. But did you know that your mood can also affect the health of your teeth? If you often feel anxious or worried, it can cause a condition called bruxism, which can seriously damage your teeth, your gums, and even your jaw. So, here’s what you need to know about it.
What is Bruxism?
Bruxism is a condition that’s caused by anxiety and makes you habitually grind your teeth and clench your jaw. You may find yourself doing this during the day, when you’re stressed, or your partner may complain that you’re doing it at night. Often, people who have bruxism don’t actually realise they’re doing it. You can have bruxism for a long time before the symptoms appear or start to see consequences of it very early on. It all depends on your mouth and on the strength of your jaw. But if you grind your teeth, it will cause problems eventually, including the following issues:
Facial pain.
Earaches.
Jaw pain and stiffness.
Sleep disruptions.
Headaches.
Chipped, cracked or broken teeth.
Broken or damaged fillings.
Worn down teeth leading to sensitivity and even tooth loss.
Causes of Bruxism
Teeth grinding is a fairly common problem these days and is usually related to stress and anxiety. However, there are other factors that may contribute to this habit including:
Certain medications such as antidepressants can cause bruxism.
Poor lifestyle habits such as smoking, drinking, or drug use.
Sleep disorders such as snoring or sleep apnoea.
The Dangers of Grinding
If you suspect that you’re grinding your teeth in your sleep, then it’s important that you see your dentist. They’ll be able to examine your teeth and see if there’s any damage that needs to be fixed before it becomes a major problem.
Teeth grinding can cause your teeth to become worn, exposing the nerve and resulting in mouth pain. It can also cause infections or dental abscesses because of the pressure and gum damage. That’s why it’s really important that you don’t just ignore the problem, even if you don’t experience symptoms immediately. The damage caused by bruxism tends to be cumulative, so if it continues over time you may find yourself making a late-night visit to your after hours dentist with a serious dental issue!
Treating Teeth Grinding
If you grind your teeth, then there are ways to treat the problem. First and foremost, you need to address your stress levels, because bruxism is closely connected to your emotions. So, if you’re stressed, relaxation exercises and practices such as meditation or yoga before bed might help. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can also help to address the source of the stress and anxiety.
Your dentist can also help with more immediately practical ways to cut down on teeth grinding. They can create a mouthguard or splint that’s tailored to your teeth and mouth and will protect your teeth against damage and wear. This won’t prevent you from grinding your teeth but it will act as an airbag to cut down on the sensation and friction.
Emergency Dentist Sydney Says:
So, if you have bruxism or any other dental emergency, contact our Emergency Dentist in Sydney. Our caring and expert staff are available 24 hours a day to help you with all your emergency dental needs.