Do you wake up in the morning with a headache — or with pain and stiffness in your jaw? Have you noticed that your teeth are worn down, but you are not sure why?

You could be grinding your teeth.

It’s a condition called bruxism — which also includes gnashing and clenching the teeth — and it can happen when you’re awake or asleep.

Causes of Bruxism

While bruxism doesn’t have a single specific cause that points to why some people grind their teeth and others don’t, there are some risk factors that increase its likelihood, including:

• Anxiety and stress
• Lifestyle choices, like smoking and elevated caffeine and alcohol consumption
• Certain medications, especially anti-anxiety drugs
• Sleep apnea

Common Signs of Bruxism

Many people who suffer from bruxism are unaware of it, as it can be intermittent and mild. But these conditions might indicate you have a more serious case of teeth clenching and grinding.

• Chronic jaw pain, facial pain, and ear pain
• Awakening with a tired or tight feeling in the jaw
• Frequent tension headaches and migraines
• Excessive tooth wear, leading to chipped, flattened, cracked, or very worn teeth
• Extremely worn tooth enamel, exposing the inner layers of the tooth
• Indentations on the side of the tongue
• Increased tooth sensitivity
• Tinnitus (ringing in your ears)

How to Treat Bruxism

While sporadic, mild teeth grinding generally doesn’t require any formal treatment, more severe cases in which you’re experiencing negative side effects should be treated by your dental professional.

In addition to lifestyle adjustments, like consuming less caffeine or alcohol and implementing stress reduction techniques, custom mouth guards are one of the most effective treatments for bruxism.

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At SMILE! Advanced Dental Center, we recommend night guards, a special type of mouth guard, that protects your teeth from damage and prevents teeth grinding while you sleep. This night guard is made to fit your smile comfortably and effectively, allowing you to sleep peacefully while protecting your teeth.

To find some relief and help save your smile, give us a call at 843-873-1261 or contact us here today.