What Is Bruxism? How Can Your Dentist Help?

Bruxism is a condition that can wear down your teeth, causing pain and even injury. Knowing what bruxism is, what the symptoms are, and how your dentist can help is important. Visiting your dentist in Stuart, FL, can help you get the care you need. Here’s what you should know about bruxism and how you can protect yourself.

What Is Bruxism?

Bruxism is a condition that causes the person to grind their teeth, often at night while sleeping. Bruxism can cause your teeth to become weak or worn down and can even cause them to become cracked or broken. If you grind your teeth at night, your teeth can crack or chip, may lose some of their tooth enamel, and your teeth may become more sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. Unfortunately, most people are unaware whether they grind their teeth while sleeping.

How Can You Tell if You Grind Your Teeth At Night?

If you grind your teeth while you’re sleeping, you may notice any combination of the following symptoms:

• Teeth are broken or cracked
• Teeth have become loose over time
• You experience face or jaw pain in the morning when you wake up
• Your headaches sometimes in the morning after you wake up
• Your teeth are becoming increasingly sensitive
• Your cheeks are damaged on the inside from chewing on them while you sleep

How Can Your Dentist Help If You Have Bruxism?

If you have bruxism, you may not know it – but your dentist may be able to tell. Often, the signs of bruxism are visible during dental appointments. If you have bruxism, your dentist can help you obtain a custom mouth guard to protect your teeth at night. Call Stuart Dentist for our general dentistry services in Stuart, FL, to learn more about how we can help you.