Clenched Teeth and How to Deal with It
Clenched teeth (bruxism) is a dental problem that is commonly experienced as a result of stress, anxiety or other psychological factors. Sometimes you may not be aware of this condition, because most people exhibit this habit during nighttime sleep. However, clenching can lead to serious dental problems in the long run. In this article, you will learn more about the causes of clenching, symptoms and ways to deal with it.
Causes of Clenching
While the exact cause of clenching is unknown, a number of factors can contribute to the problem. Here are some of the potential causes of clenching;
Stress and Anxiety People who are under stress often clench their teeth. The stress of the day can cause this habit to occur at night during sleep.
Malocclusion Misalignment of the teeth (malocclusion) can be a cause of teeth clenching. If the teeth are not aligned properly, it can cause the muscles of the jaw and teeth to become unbalanced.
Genetic Factors Family history can play a role in the development of clenching. If there are people in your family who clench their teeth, you are likely to be at risk.
Alcohol and Caffeine Excessive consumption of alcohol and caffeine-containing beverages can trigger the habit of clenching.
Sleep Disorders It has been observed that clenching of teeth increases during sleep. Sleep apnea or other sleep disorders can be associated with teeth clenching.
Symptoms of Teeth Clenching
Symptoms of teeth clenching can vary from person to person, but the following are common symptoms;
Headache Overnight teeth clenching can cause you to wake up with a headache in the morning.
Çene Pain Çene muscle pain or a feeling of tightness is common.
Tooth Abrasion The surfaces of the teeth can become worn or chipped.
Tooth Sensitivity Clenching can increase the sensitivity of your teeth.
Sleep Disorders Clenching can reduce the quality of your sleep.
How to Cope with Teeth Clenching
To prevent or reduce teeth clenching, you can try the following methods;
Stress Management Try to reduce your stress. Stress management techniques such as yoga, meditation, deep breathing, etc. can help you.
Dental Night Guards You can use a dental guard specially made by your dentist to alleviate your clenching problem.
Malocclusion Treatment If you have malocclusion, talk to your dentist and consider treatment options.
Alcohol and Caffeine Restriction Reduce alcohol and caffeine consumption to prevent clenching.
Behavioral Changes When you notice the habit of clenching, you can control it by doing relaxing exercises or consciously separating your teeth.
Clenching is a treatable problem. If you suffer from clenching, it is important to consult a dentist or sleep disorder specialist. You can seek professional help to identify the underlying causes of your clenching and explore appropriate treatment options. It is important to take this problem seriously for a healthy mouth and better sleep.
This article aims to provide basic information about clenching. Remember that it is best to consult a professional about any health problem.