It’s pretty obvious that maintaining proper oral care benefits your teeth and gums, keeping your mouth fit for a lifetime. It is, however, lesser known that a healthy mouth will help your overall body health as well, especially your heart. Many problems that people have with their teeth or gums can even be traced back to an underlying issue elsewhere in the body. Clenching and grinding your teeth while sleeping, or bruxism, is one example of that.
While the wear and tear of bruxism certainly affects your teeth, it also gives insight into what other possible concerns you’re dealing with. Stress and anxiety are thought to be the main factors in causing the repetitive grinding. A fit of bruxism causes the heart to race, putting further strain on an already stressed cardiovascular system. Once your bruxism is diagnosed, it is possible to take steps to alleviate the stress in your life that is harming your mouth and your body. Here are 3 signs you may have bruxism:
- Teeth damage – You may start to notice that some of your teeth are chipping or eroding, which eventually results in stress fractures.
- Headaches – A dull, painful headache can occur, often after you wake up in the morning.
- Sore Jaw – There is a feeling of chronic pain in the mouth and jaw that commonly occurs with the headaches.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t panic. There are many things you can do to help minimize the causes of bruxism. In the meantime, a custom-made nightguard can be worn to prevent the physical pain. Be sure to make an appointment with us at Jackson Smiles Family Dentistry and inform us of any concerns you may have about bruxism.