WHY DO PEOPLE GRIND THEIR TEETH?

People who suffer from bruxism in Belmont may do so because of a number of factors. Identifying these risk factors for bruxism—or tooth grinding and clenching—can help you to stop the problem and avoid putting yourself at risk for other dental complications. In some cases, bruxism only attacks while the sufferer is asleep. This can make it difficult to tell that you even have the disorder until you start experiencing toothaches, headaches, soreness of the jaw, and other symptoms. Keep reading if you would like to find out exactly why some people grind their teeth.

Dental Issues
Teeth grinding is a harmful problem that can contribute to the development of a number of complications down the road. Although the cause of bruxism may vary from person to person, many are affected by this condition because of a different dental issue that has not been properly addressed. Some people grind their teeth because of an abnormal bite; this means that the top row of teeth is not in alignment with the bottom row of teeth. Others suffer from bruxism because of missing teeth that they have not had replaced or crooked teeth that cause problems for neighboring teeth. If you notice that you are grinding your teeth, it is a good idea to talk to your dentist and get to the bottom of the issue.

Stress and Anxiety
Even people with perfectly straight and properly maintained teeth might grind their teeth at some point in their lives, and it is likely that these cases stem from psychological factors rather than dental complications. Some individuals develop bruxism due to an excessive amount of stress and anxiety in their lives. Fortunately, there are several ways you can limit your stressors. Consider exercising more often or practicing yoga, as these activities release endorphins in the brain that alter your mood and help to limit your stress. By reducing your everyday stress, you can often improve your bruxism.