You Could Be Suffering From This Common Affliction And Not Even Know It!
Do you often wake with headaches or experience frequent bouts of jaw tenderness? If so, you may be experiencing a common condition that can affect both the teeth and jaw. Many patients suffer from this condition and are living with it, totally unaware. Over time, this condition can cause serious damage to the state of your oral health. Continue reading to learn more about this common condition, some of our green and holistic recommendations and to learn if you or a loved one are being affected.
What is Bruxism?
Bruxism is a condition in which people clench and grind their teeth. The majority of patients who suffer from bruxism are unaware, as it typically occurs during times of sleep. Many patients do not experience side effects from bruxism and only become aware following a hygiene examination when they are notified that their teeth appear to be worn. Other patients with severe bruxism can experience discomfort in daily activities such as eating and speaking. If you experience any of the following warning signs, you may be experiencing a side effect of bruxism:
- Jaw or facial pain
- Cracked or chipped teeth
- Sensitivity to hot and cold
- Muscle tension in the jaw, face, or neck
- Headaches
- Popping or clicking of the jaw
What Causes Bruxism?
The cause of bruxism is not the same in each patient. Most patients experience bruxism due to high levels of stress and anxiety. Some patients may go through a time of high stress that can lead to bruxism, while others have more of a nervous personality type and bruxism is ongoing. I can diagnose bruxism following a routine hygiene examination, as the effects will be obvious on the teeth. I then work with patients to create a treatment plan.
Green and Natural Ways to Help Teeth Grinding
If you grind your teeth at night, there are a few suggestions I have that you can try before going to bed to help you relax. My first suggestion is to do some Ujjayi breathing, or deep breathing. With this breathing method, you take a very deep breath in and breathe out deeply through the throat. This breathing method helps to calm an active mind before going to bed. Another suggestion is to take a relaxing bath or shower using aromatherapy to help disconnect from the stressors of the day. The final suggestion is to try some deep meditation and set a time to decompress and prepare for the next day.
If you are experiencing any of the warning signs mentioned above or feel you may be suffering from bruxism, be sure to contact my office located in San Francisco, CA. I can perform an evaluation and get you set on a treatment plan to help ease symptoms.
