Can Teeth Grinding or Clenching Contribute to Tooth Sensitivity?

Sleep is a time for rest and rejuvenation, but that cannot happen if you have teeth-grinding and clenching problems. This is because this disorder can lead to tooth sensitivity, jaw pain and toothache without you knowing the root cause of these symptoms. Below, you’ll find useful information on how bruxism can contribute to tooth sensitivity and how going to the dentist near you can help treat this sleeping disorder to reduce tooth sensitivity.

Grinding and Sensitivity: Examining the Potential Impact of Teeth Grinding or Clenching on Tooth Sensitivity

Before we can explain how bruxism contributes to tooth sensitivity, it is crucial to know what causes this harmful habit and what signs you should watch out for.

What Are the Causes of Teeth Grinding and Clenching?

Anxiety and stress – research shows that people who experience daytime stress and anxiety have a higher risk of experiencing bruxism. Bruxism will happen when you’re sleeping, worried, or stressed over certain issues. This is your body’s way of reacting to the stress experienced during the day.

Medical conditions- certain medications like antidepressants and amphetamines are known to contribute to teeth-grinding problems. Moreover, neurological conditions like Huntington’s and Parkinson’s disease can also cause involuntary gnashing of teeth.

Dental problems- untreated dental problems can lead to teeth grinding and clenching behaviour. For instance, having misaligned teeth can lead to gnashing and clenching of teeth while trying to chew food. Therefore, you should visit the dental clinic in Broomfield if you have any dental problems, as it can cause bruxism.

Symptoms Of Bruxism

The main challenge that comes with bruxism is identifying its symptoms. Why? Because teeth grinding and clenching happen at night, you might experience the symptoms long after the disorder happens.

Some of the common symptoms of bruxism are:

• Earaches.
• Clicking jaw joints.
• Sore gums.
• Sensitive teeth.
• Jaw stiffness and pain.
• Blunt teeth surfaces.
• Dull headaches.

How Bruxism Leads to Tooth Sensitivity

When teeth grinding and clenching happen, it puts stress on the jaw and teeth. The stress exerted on the teeth leads to damage to the teeth’s enamel. You will start experiencing tooth sensitivity, and failure to go for tooth sensitivity treatment in Broomfield will lead to the exposure of the dentin, which is underneath the enamel. Exposure to the dentist leads to extreme tooth sensitivity, especially when you take cold and hot beverages and foods.

How To Treat Teeth Grinding and Clenching

Other than tooth sensitivity, bruxism can lead to increased tooth decay, neck, jaw or face pain, teeth fracturing, teeth losing their chewing function, and eventual tooth loss. Therefore, going to the local dentist for tooth sensitivity treatment can also help save the life of your natural tooth and prevent other dental problems.

It is crucial to note that there are no medications to stop bruxism. Fortunately, wearing a mouthguard can protect your teeth, temporomandibular joints and muscles from the stress caused by teeth clenching and grinding. You should wear this oral device before you sleep. In addition, the local dentist can recommend a muscle relaxant to take before sleeping.

Additionally, the dentist can inquire whether you’re taking any medications, as they can cause bruxism. If stress and anxiety cause teeth grinding and clenching, various therapies may be recommended. Some include physical and cognitive behavioural therapy, meditation, and exercise.

There are also ways to prevent teeth grinding. They include:

Going for regular dental checkups. If you’re used to going for regular dental checkups, the dentist may identify early signs of teeth grinding and treat it before it causes long-term damage.

Treating other dental problems. As mentioned earlier, other dental problems like misaligned or missing teeth can exacerbate teeth grinding. Therefore, you should not ignore any dental problem that you have.

Avoid taking alcohol, cocaine, and other drugs or smoking. Abusing these drugs can trigger teeth grinding; therefore, staying away from them is advisable.

Bottomline

Although teeth grinding and clenching don’t have any medication, there are recommendations that the dentist at Fox Creek Dental by Espire Broomfield can give to reduce the disorder. Moreover, the dentist can create a treatment plan to alleviate symptoms like tooth sensitivity. Therefore, you have control over how bruxism affects your life and oral health. So, don’t hesitate to visit us, as we will create a treatment plan just for you.