Jaw pain can be very debilitating if you have been suffering from it for a while. Constant jaw pain makes it difficult to eat or speak and can make sleeping nearly impossible. Bruxism causes a lot of jaw pain in adults. If you have not heard about bruxism, here is an explanation of what bruxism is and how it is treated.
What Is Bruxism?
Bruxism is clenching or grinding teeth. People may clench or grind their teeth under stress during the day, but most people clench or grind their teeth at night while sleeping. When bruxism occurs while sleeping, you may not even be aware you are doing it. When clenching your teeth, you are tightening your lower jaw excessively. Tooth grinding means you grind your lower teeth against your upper teeth. Both types of bruxism can do lasting damage to your teeth and lower jaw.
Symptoms of Bruxism
People with bruxism tend to have pain in their lower jaws. Many people describe the jaw pain as aching or throbbing. You may not feel the pain along your jaw joint, but instead, you feel the pain in your ears or in your neck. Headaches are also common for people who clench or grind their teeth. Many people who suffer from migraines also suffer from bruxism.
Our dentist can spot signs of bruxism at your dental exams. If you clench or grind your teeth, you may have cracked or chipped teeth, loose fillings, and broken dental work, such as crowns or bridges.
How Is Bruxism Treated?
People who suffer from bruxism can get treatment for their pain. Ice and pain relievers may relieve some of your immediate pain. The best way to treat bruxism is to wear night guards while you are sleeping. These fit your teeth and protect them from clenching or grinding. If your bruxism is not severe, a soft night guard is enough. However, if your bruxism is severe, you may need a hard night guard.
If you think your bruxism is the reason behind your jaw pain, you should make an appointment with our dentist. That way, you can get night guards to treat your jaw pain.
Jaw pain can be very debilitating if you have been suffering from it for a while. Constant jaw pain makes it difficult to eat or speak and can make sleeping nearly impossible. Bruxism causes a lot of jaw pain in adults. If you have not heard about bruxism, here is an explanation of what bruxism is and how it is treated.