Do you or someone you love grind their teeth? If so, you’re joining over 610,000 people worldwide struggling with the same issue!
According to the Canadian Sleep Society, about eight percent of adults and 14 percent of kids report grinding their teeth a few times a week. It’s called ‘bruxism’ and can be linked to stress or anxiety. It could also happen as an inherited trait.
While grinding your teeth could happen at any time of the day, most people grind their teeth at night, while they’re sleeping. Many don’t even realize they’re doing it. One patient’s daughter said it sounded like she was chewing rocks in her sleep.
Even though you may not be aware that it’s happening, grinding your teeth can have devastating effects on your teeth!
For example, you may experience:
- chipped tooth enamel
- cracked teeth
- loose teeth
- sensitive teeth
- flat, worn-down teeth
- joint problems
- a change in your face shape over time
- and even tooth loss
Interestingly, according to the National Sleep Foundation, 1 in 4 people with sleep apnea grind their teeth at night,
But, if you grind your teeth while you sleep, how do you even know it’s going on?
Some symptoms of bruxism include:
- loose teeth
- neck aches, earaches, and dull headaches
- a tired and sore jaw
- a clicking sound, when you open your mouth.
If you think you may be grinding your teeth when you sleep (or one of your loved ones informed you that you were doing it), talk to a dentist. There’s a variety of treatment options as well as other recommendations to alleviate the potential damage that teeth grinding may cause.
A few of your choices might be:
- a mouth-guard
- a bite adjustment (correcting the way your top and bottom teeth fit together)
- reducing stress
- and medications to relieve sore muscles
This is one of those conditions, however, that should not go unchecked.
In addition to this topic, we’re pleased to offer a FREE report that provides information vital to your child forming good dental habits. Why not get your copy now? The Parent’s Guide to Children’s Oral Health, is just a click away. And it’s absolutely FREE.
Also, for additional information, make an appointment, or have a question answered, you’re more than welcome to call us at South Airdrie Smiles at 587 805 3094 or click here to visit our website.
