Don’t become too alarmed if your dentist informs you that you suffer from bruxism. It is the medical term for grinding one’s teeth, which usually occurs while sleeping. On the other hand, you shouldn’t be too complacent if you are one of the many thousands of people who suffer from this nocturnal habit. Many people don’t even realise that they grind their teeth. However, those who do may wake up with bad headaches, jawbone pain or earache. At the same time, teeth grinding can result in chipped or broken tooth enamel or even loose teeth.

Teeth grinding may not sound too serious. Nevertheless, if it is not corrected it can cause extreme problems that are not only costly to correct but it could also be a symptom of other underlying disorders. Although dentists Bundaberg can assist by suggesting a tooth guard that protects your teeth whilst asleep, it does not get to the root of the cause.

Several factors are known to contribute to bruxism. These include mental stress that arises from anxiety, anger or fear, amongst other stress-related emotions. Medical conditions such as Parkinson’s disease are also said to be the cause of teeth grinding. In fact, any disease that involves the loss of motor skills can bring on night grinding.

When stress is the main cause of teeth grinding it can set off a pattern of events—stress—grinding, then more stress because of the grinding teeth. This is why it is important to analyse the cause of the original stress. For instance, restrained anger can disrupt a normal sleeping routine, which, in turn, might bring on the grinding of teeth. Furthermore, an illness that threatens a person’s movement and cognitive abilities, such as Huntington’s disease, can also induce bruxism.

This dental problem is also known to affect children. Young children whose teeth are at the growing stage are susceptible to grinding their teeth whilst sleeping. This is caused through itchy sensations to which their bodies react by grinding. Eventually, most children do grow out of this disorder once their teeth are fully grown and their teeth structure becomes normal. If you are concerned, dentists advise that you make an appointment with a dental practitioner who will advise whether any steps should be taken to help prevent this disorder.

If teeth grinding becomes excessive, your dentist might want to know whether or not you have been prescribed any medication for anxiety or bipolar-related disorders. Although it has not been fully proved, there appears to be a relationship between these drugs and nocturnal grinding.

Even if you don’t grind your teeth, it is wise to see a dentist at least once a year or earlier. This will ensure that your smile reveals your healthy teeth and gums.



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