Do you suffer from regular headaches? What about migraines? Headache and migraine pain are two very common complaints among Americans today. Just watch television for a day and count how many medications are advertised for pain relief! Walk into a drugstore and see the shelves lined with pain relievers for any and all types of headache relief.
What if the solution to your problem couldn’t be found in the drugstore? What if the solution to your problem was waiting for you at the dental office?
Headaches and migraines are often associated with the bad habit of teeth grinding, or bruxism. The trouble is that many people with this habit have no idea because they do it while they are sleeping or thinking about other things. That’s why it is important to see a dentist if you suspect there could be a problem!
How Common is Teeth Grinding?
Research suggests that as many as 40 million Americans grind their teeth while they sleep. Some of these people do not even realize that they are suffering from severe teeth grinding. Do you wake up with a sore jaw or facial pain? This could be a sign that you suffer from teeth grinding, or bruxism. Other signs of bruxism include:
- Noticeable or loud grinding and clenching
- Fractured, chipped, or flattened teeth
- Tight jaw muscles
- Headaches or pain that originate near your ears
- Increased sensitivity in your teeth and mouth
If you are regularly experiencing pain in your jaw or teeth, you should consult with a dentist immediately because the damage may have already started. If you don’t address your teeth grinding, it could cause significant damage to your teeth, bring on worsening headaches, and contribute to jaw and joint disorders such as TMJ dysfunction.
Bruxism that occurs during sleeping is linked to other sleeping disorders such as sleep apnea. It is also sometimes caused by excessive stress.
Finding Solutions
At Sanders Family Dental, we can help you identify if you have bruxism and can make a custom mouthguard that will protect your teeth and jaw while you sleep. The guard will provide a protective layer of soft plastic between your teeth so that even if you do grind your teeth, there will be no pain or damage on the following morning.
Give us a call today if you are feeling any serious soreness or pain in your jaw, or if you are suffering from regular headaches. Relieving your bruxism has the potential to change your life, so don’t wait any longer!