The technical name for tooth grinding is bruxism. Stress is certainly one of the factors that can lead to grinding. A sleep disorder, an abnormal bite or crooked or missing teeth also can be factors. Some experts estimate that as many as 10 percent of the population deal with this condition to some extent, ranging from children to senior citizens.
The best person to talk to if you or a loved one has this condition is your dentist. It can be a serious problem. Some people who grind their teeth in their sleep may wake up feeling fine. Others, however, may wake with some combination of jaw, shoulder and neck pain. The grinding action also can significantly wear teeth and loosen them. It can also crack tooth enamel and break teeth.
During sleep, bruxism can cause a person’s jaw to clench at pressures up to six times the level exerted during waking hours. Your dentist will first try to diagnose the cause of the condition. If it is stress related, the result, say, of pressure at work, the dentist may recommend physical therapy, chiropractic treatment or counseling. Muscle-relaxing medication and/or a nighttime mouth guard, specially fitted by the dentist, may also be an answer.
If you, your family, or friends need dental care, we would be honored to provide you with state-of-the-art dental care in our modern dental practice. Refer someone you love to someone you trust!
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While tooth enamel is the hardest element in your body, it is susceptible to wear and tear just like any other part of the body. Some foods and beverages that passes through our mouth are more corrosive to enamel than are others. For instance, though fruit and fruit juice are good for us in some ways, those that contain citric acid, like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits, are potentially damaging to teeth enamel. You should also consume carbonated drinks in moderation. In addition, you even also need to be careful about the toothpaste you use. You should avoid toothpastes with abrasives in them, like charcoal toothpastes, even though they may be marketed as tooth-whitening, stain-removing marvels.
Acids in sugar-free beverages can erode tooth enamel. People find carbonated beverages refreshing. Enjoy them in moderation and preferably with meals. The American Dental Association offers these tips to reduce tooth erosion from acidic food and beverages:
Acidic foods and beverages can wear away the enamel that protects teeth, a process known as tooth erosion. Tooth erosion is permanent and may open the door for bacteria to cause cavities or infection. It can also make teeth appear discolored, as white enamel is worn away to expose the yellow layer below called dentin.
Q: How can I keep my teeth for my entire lifetime?
