Is Stress, Tension, or a Bad Bite Wearing Your Teeth Down?

Have you noticed unusual wear patterns on the top surfaces of your teeth? Are there any cracks? Are your teeth sensitive? Do you have any notches developing along your gum line even though you know your gums are healthy? You could be suffering from a common condition known as bruxism. The trouble is, most people with bruxism issues don’t even know they have it! According to the Academy of General Dentistry, “only approximately 5 percent develop symptoms (such as jaw pain and headaches) that require treatment. In many cases, a sleeping partner or parent will notice the bruxism before the person experiencing the problem is even aware of it.”

 What Is Bruxism?

Bruxism comes from the Greek word brygmós, which means, “ gnashing of teeth.” That is exactly what the dental condition Bruxism is – grinding, gnashing, and clenching your teeth.

The primary symptoms of bruxism are:

• Anxiety, stress, or tension

• ŸGrinding or clenching of teeth

• ŸTooth sensitivity

• Jaw pain

• Headache and facial pain

• Worn, chipped, breaking teeth

• ŸFlattened tooth surfaces

• Exposure of tooth layers and loss of enamel

• Earache from jaw muscle tension and contraction

• A scalloped tongue or irregular tongue edges

• ŸDamaged mouth tissue

• Insomnia

 If you notice any of these symptoms and you live in the Clinton Township area, please give us a call. It could save your teeth!

What Causes Bruxism

It can be hard to pinpoint the cause: It might be a result of a car accident or other injury. Sometimes chronic stress or medical conditions, such as sleep apnea,  can trigger bruxism. Other times it is caused by poorly balanced dental work or missing teeth. Whatever the cause, if you clench or grind your teeth, you could be facing a long list of dental problems, including the painful effects of TMJ disorder or arthritis of the temporomandibular joints. Dr. Alex or Sophia Masters  have a variety of solutions at our  Clinton Township dental office  to help you and protect your teeth. Call us today!

About The Author

Dr. Sophia Papasifakis Masters

Dr. Sophia Masters boasts 33 years of experience in the field of dentistry. Skilled in different dental procedures, she had advanced training in several prestigious dental institutions such as the Kois Center and The Dawson Center for Advanced Dentistry. She is a professional member of several dental organizations, including the American Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry. Additionally, she actively volunteers for Donated Dental Services, among others, and was an adjunct clinical faculty at Detroit Mercy Dental and the University of Michigan School of Dentistry.

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