How to Kick a Tooth Grinding Habit

how to kick a tooth grinding habit Comstock Park

Plenty of individuals all over the world suffer from the habit of grinding their teeth. Some people grind their teeth because they are stressed, some people grind their teeth as a coping mechanism, and some men and women grind their teeth in their sleep without realizing it.

Don’t Ignore Teeth Grinding

Grinding of the teeth, clenching of the jaw, or gnashing of the teeth is known as bruxism. Bruxism can transpire consciously or unconsciously both during the day and at night. No matter when or why you grind your teeth, it can be harmful to both your oral health and overall physical health.

Let’s talk about it.

Possible Causes of Teeth Grinding

Some reasons individuals might grind their teeth are:

  • Caffeine consumption
  • Sleep apnea
  • Acid reflux
  • Depression or anxiety
  • Hyperactivity
  • Certain medications

Tooth Grinding Can Cause Serious Dental Problems

The consequences of tooth grinding can include:

  • Tooth pain
  • Jaw pain
  • Loss of tooth enamel or worn down teeth
  • Increased tooth sensitivity
  • Earaches
  • Broken braces or retainers due to excessive tooth grinding, often at nighttime

Sometimes it is difficult to know if you are grinding your teeth during the night. The main giveaways are if you are experiencing any of the symptoms above. One of the most prevalent and effective ways to quit nighttime teeth grinding is to wear a mouthguard while you sleep.

While there are a variety of reasons for tooth grinding, they can all lead to the same dangerous consequences if left untreated. It’s to seek guidance from a dentist or orthodontist. You might have a dental condition that can trigger or exacerbate your grinding.

How Do You Treat Tooth Grinding?

Some teeth grinders can successfully overcome this abnormality on their own. Most individuals, however, need professional help from a doctor or dentist.

Ways to treat tooth grinding include:

  • Use a protective mouthguard, especially for nighttime tooth grinders
  • Ask your dentist about a habit appliance (especially for children)
  • Avoid caffeine in both food and drinks
  • Learn to manage your stress, depression, anxiety, or hyperactivity
  • Seek counseling

If you are unable to kick the habit of tooth grinding, it is smart to consult a professional. Drs. Hull at Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry is available for consultations about tooth grinding.

Contact Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

616-784-2377

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321

Treatment For Stress-Induced Jaw Pain In Comstock Park

Categories: TMD/TMJ treatment

 

stress-induced jaw pain in Comstock ParkEveryday problems cause some Comstock Park people to respond by clenching their jaw or grinding their teeth. For example, daily commuting in Belmont, Cedar Springs, Comstock Park, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI can take a physical toll. All the traffic, noise, and perpetual road construction causes some people to grind their teeth as they navigate the sea of cars on packed highways.

Teeth grinding and jaw clenching can cause a painful condition called TMD or Temporomandibular Joint Disorder. TMD is often mistakenly called ‘TMJ’: the acronym for Temporomandibular Joint.

Your jaw is able to open and close thanks to many jaw muscles and the intricate temporomandibular joints. These joints allow for fluid mobility as you chew, speak, and yawn.

Damage to these essential joints can lead to extreme pain in the jaw, head, face and neck. Pain may be experienced on one or both sides of the jaw.

TMD is an often misdiagnosed condition because facial pain can result from a variety of issues, not just damage to the temporomandibular joints. Sinus infections, tooth decay, and facial injuries can cause jaw pain. A correct diagnosis is the first step in treating TMD.

At Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry we have been diagnosing and treating TMD since 1974, working with other specialists when needed. If you are experiencing clicking, popping, or discomfort in your jaw, call Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry today for a diagnosis and treatment plan.

Dr. Stewart and Dr. Hull are dedicated to providing high-quality dentistry to the residents of Belmont, Cedar Springs, Comstock Park, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI.

Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry not only treat TMD, but we redesign smiles with unprecedented cosmetic dental smile makeovers. Furthermore, we offer general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and porcelain veneers.

Your smile is contagious! Make sure it is healthy and beautiful. Call Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry today at 616-784-2377 to schedule a consultation or examination.