Many people are unaware that they grind their teeth while they’re asleep, a condition that’s known as bruxism. It’s quite the predicament: how do you stop yourself from doing something while you’re unconscious?
You need to keep an eye out for these symptoms, which become apparent after you wake up. Here are the top 5 telltale signs that you’re grinding your teeth while you sleep:
You Wake Up with Headaches
Do you frequently wake up with a headache, sore jaw, or earaches? Bruxism may be to blame. Pay attention to any pain near your temples or jaw area, which results from repeated clenching.
Do you share a bed with someone? Ask them if they ever hear you grinding your teeth while you sleep—the sound is hard to miss!
Your Teeth are Chipping
You might be surprised at the strength of our jaws. The masseter is the strongest muscle in your body! The evidence shows on our teeth.
Take a closer look at your smile. If your teeth appear flattened or shorter than they used to, they may be getting ground down at nighttime.
Without intervention, grinding your teeth can lead to tooth loss. This is one of many reasons why you should visit the dentist regularly—they can detect early signs of wear and tear on your molars and front teeth.
You Have Gum Recession
Gum recession can be caused by several factors: braces that move your teeth too quickly, a toothbrush with hard bristles, or by applying too much force when brushing your teeth. Yet another cause is bruxism. The pressure from your jaws shifts your teeth, which causes the gums to recess.
Next time you have a dental check-up, ask your hygienist to measure your gums. A dentist will be able to identify the cause of the issue and inform you about potential treatments.
To fix gum recession, you may need to undergo gum grafting surgery (take it from someone who’s experienced it: it’s not fun!). That’s why it’s important to intervene early when it comes to teeth grinding.
Your Teeth are Hypersensitive
Whenever you take a sip of your hot tea or cold water, you wince in pain. Sensitive teeth cause daily inconveniences whenever you consume warm or cool foods and beverages.
Grinding your teeth wears away the enamel, which protects the sensitive roots. Without enamel, you’ll experience more pain from extreme temperatures.
You Clench Your Teeth Together When You are Stressed During the Day
Clenching can be an expression of tension or excitement. Some of us even clench our teeth when we pet cute animals!
We can’t always wear a night guard. During our office hours or daily errands, we need to be mindful of things that cause us to clench.
Whenever you notice that you’re grinding your teeth, make a conscious effort to relax your facial muscles. Allow your tongue to rest at the bottom of your mouth and release the tension in your jaw. It helps to take a long, deep breath, and exhale slowly.
When you need a dentist in Winnipeg, give WestSide Dental Group a call! We can create a custom night guard that will protect your teeth from the forces of your jaws. These moulds are made to fit your teeth perfectly and guard them against grinding.
