Bruxism, or as you may call it, grinding your teeth, is more than just a bad habit–it can lead to serious pain and tooth damage. However, before you worry about the risks involved, allow Dr. Jeffrey Allen of Allen Family Dentistry to explain some of the common causes for a better understanding of what bruxism really is.
There Are Many Reasons That People Grind Their Teeth
The act of grinding one’s teeth most often occurs during sleep, and most people attribute it to feeling stressed or anxious. It can also be the result of an irregular bite or crooked teeth. In addition, there are some other causes, both physical and psychological, which are slightly less common but still very plausible. Some doctors believe that certain people with bruxism may be of an aggressive or hyperactive personality type. Another possibility is that teeth grinding is a complication resulting from a disorder such as Huntington’s or Parkinson’s disease, or perhaps that it is a side effect of certain antidepressants.
Effects of Bruxism
Now that you know the possible causes for bruxism, here are some of the effects as well. Not only can it damage your teeth, but it can also damage any restorative dentistry you have had done, such as crowns. Furthermore, it can lead to the jaw pain, facial pain, and headaches commonly associated with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. This condition occurs in the jaw joints, commonly referred to as “TMJs,” which you can feel when opening and closing your mouth.
There is no reason for this bad habit to continue or become anything more serious, so schedule an appointment with your Pella dentist today to determine what you can do to reduce bruxism and its effects.
An Invitation for Your Family
Dr. Jeffrey Allen provides comfortable dental care to patients of all ages. Call (641) 628-1121 today to schedule a checkup and cleaning, cosmetic consultation, or second-opinion visit. We are located on the west side of the historic town square in Pella, IA. Please see the map for directions.