Do you find yourself waking up with a dull headache or a sore jaw?  Maybe sometimes you find yourself clenching your teeth?  Until the pain comes, or you dentist checks you out, you may not even realize that you have a condition called “bruxism”.  This is a habit of grinding or clenching the teeth. San Tan Valley Dental Care AZ

If a person grinds or clenches their teeth, often they will wake up with a headache, earache or toothache.  The facial muscles can be sore and the jaw joints tender.  This causes discomfort, but grinding can cause damage to any dental restorations and may even loosen the teeth.  Bruxism can also cause damage to the temporomandibular joints.  These joints are located on each side of the mouth that connect the lower jaw to the skull. #martindental

The pressure of clenching and grinding can cause cracks or fractures in the teeth.  When the tooth enamel is worn away, the underlying layer of dentin may become exposed.  This is what cause the tooth to become sensitive to temperature changes and pressure.  What causes bruxism isn’t really known, but there are several factors that are involved:  stressful situations, problems with sleeping, an abnormal bite, or crooked/missing teeth. San Tan Valley Dental Care AZ

Making your regular dental checkups are extremely important.  It can detect damage in the early stages allowing your dentist to diagnose and treat.  They can even help determine the source of facial pain that results from bruxism. 

Once your dentist diagnosis, you may need one or more treatments.#smilewithconfidence  A nightguard may be suggested and can be worn while sleeping.  It is custom-made by your dentist and is made from soft material.  It slips over the teeth in one jaw and will prevent contact with the opposing teeth.