When people think about health they usually examine their eating habits and whether or not they are getting enough exercise. Consideration of dental health is not at the forefront of their minds, yet it shouldn’t be overlooked because it affects many other aspects of your overall health.
Bruxism is one common condition that should be given more attention. It’s better known as the habit of grinding or clenching of the teeth and can be the cause of headaches, sleeplessness, muscle soreness, and tooth damage. Clenching typically occurs during the day and grinding normally takes place at night during sleep. You may not be aware you are doing it, so be sure to watch for the signs listed above.
The explanation of why we might do this varies from person to person, but it is clear that causation can be traced to both physical and psychological sources. Problems during sleeping such as sleep apnea, snoring, and sleep talking are the most common issues in developing bruxism. Frustration, anxiety, anger, and stress have also been widely identified as emotional triggers to bruxism. Malocclusions, which are problems with your bite alignment, have been known to be an issue. Then there are some medical disorders and known chemical addictions that can be the origin of the concern.
If you believe you have bruxism, call attention to it at your next dentist visit. Dr. Christopher Pavletic has helped many of his patients to overcome bruxism or to protect their teeth from the effects of bruxism. Schedule an appointment or call us with any questions at 708-448-2588. Come see us anytime at Trine Dental Group in Orland Park, Illinois.