What Are the Signs of Nighttime Tooth Grinding?

What Are the Signs of Nighttime Tooth Grinding?

You might not realize that you grind your teeth if you do it while you’re asleep, but there are signs that you can look for when you’re awake. Headaches and soreness, clicking sounds when you open your jaw, and a worn out look on your teeth point to a tooth grinding problem. Read ahead and learn more about the signs.
Aches and Soreness
Do you clench or grind your teeth when you’re in a stressful situation? This habit won’t fix anything, and it will only cause problems. Some people grind their teeth during the night without even knowing it. If you suffer from unexplainable headaches, soreness, or facial pain, tooth grinding could be the issue.
Jaw Clicking
If you’re the type of person who loves to crack every joint in the body, pay special attention to your TMJ. Your temporomandibular joint is where your jaw connects to the rest of your skull. If it makes a cracking, clicking, or popping sound when you open your mouth, then you might be grinding or clenching your teeth in your sleep.
Evidence of Wear
Some people find out that they grind their teeth at night just by looking in the mirror. Teeth are naturally rounded, but if yours are flat, this might be due to nighttime tooth grinding. Your teeth might look visibly worn down, and you may even see a horizontal white line on the inside of your cheek. This white line where your teeth meet occurs due to the rubbing against your inner cheek tissue, and it’s a sign that you should see your dentist about a possible bruxism problem.
You should talk to a dentist in Tucson to find out why you grind your teeth at night and how you can protect your oral health. John Carson, DDS can preserve your dental health and protect your enamel. Call the offices at (520) 514-7203 or visit our website to find out how.