Getting sufficient sleep is beneficial for the body and mind. If you frequently wake up with headaches, have pain in your jaw, or experience recurrent ear pain, you may be grinding or clenching your teeth during the night. It is important to treat these conditions to prevent tooth and jaw damage. A dentist will be able to evaluate the symptoms and may even recommend Dental Mouthguards in Hillside NJ.
Although infrequent teeth grinding is not serious, over time consistent grinding will ware down tooth enamel. Grinding the teeth or clenching the jaw is often due to stress or anxiety. If possible, find ways to reduce stress. Regular exercise and spending time with family may also help. Grinding is also symptomatic of other conditions, such as chronic headaches and jaw pain.
Tension headaches have been linked to teeth grinding. These two conditions commonly co-occur. Stress, tension, poor posture, hunger, and insufficient sleep can all lead to tension headaches. Although it is unclear if headaches lead to grinding the teeth or if teeth grinding leads to the headache problem, treating symptoms and possible causes of both will likely lead to relief.
Untreated jaw clenching and teeth grinding can lead to a chronic condition called temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. A TMJ disorder results in regular jaw pain and discomfort. People who have TMJ disorder may not be able to open and close their jaws completely. The jaw may pop and be tender. Chewing may be difficult and be accompanied by facial pain. Treatment often includes wearing a mouth guard when sleeping.
A dental mouth guard is a covering worn over the teeth. It can be worn at night to prevent damage to the teeth from clenching and grinding. A mouth guard is also frequently worn while participating in sports (such as football, hockey, or martial arts) where there is a risk for a mouth injury. The mouth guard will protect the teeth from damage that would otherwise occur from a fall or blow to the face.
If you experience any symptoms that suggest teeth clenching and grinding are problematic, Dental Mouthguards in Hillside NJ may relieve symptoms. A custom mouth guard may also be desired to protect the mouth while participating in sports.
Contact ChildSmilesFamilySmiles for a complete evaluation and treatment. Visit the website for more information.
