Caring for your smile includes doing more than just washing away debris in your mouth or implementing effective cleaning routines. It is equally important to minimize your risk of oral accidents and injuries that can occur. However, it may be possible that injuries are occurring to your teeth and gums while you sleep. One particular condition is known as bruxism.
Bruxism occurs when you unconsciously grind and clench your teeth. Typically, this happens while you sleep and is also known as teeth grinding. To help lower your risk for bruxism, always look for any indications that the condition is present.
Inspect your smile every morning to determine if any dental damage has occurred throughout the night. If you notice signs of cheek tissue damage or indentations on your tongue, it could be an indication of the presence of bruxism. Other common visual clues include worn down tooth enamel, flat or loose teeth, fractured teeth, and any unexplained chips and cracks in your teeth.
Several known symptoms of bruxism include aches and pains in your facial area. This can include jaw and facial pain which may be related to tight jaw muscles, earaches and headaches, and a general feeling of soreness around your jaw area.
The time is now to enhance your smile and protect your teeth and gums from bruxism. Visit our dentist and team at our office in Killeen, Texas. Cen-Tex Dental wants your smile to thrive, so call us at (254) 213-6300 to book an appointment.