As we all know life frequently presents us with many different stressors, and many individuals feel compelled to simply endure them. However, our bodies often respond to everyday pressures in unexpected ways. One such response is teeth grinding, a habit known as bruxism, which many people engage in unconsciously.
In a survey conducted in 2021 by the Health Policy Institute of the American Dental Association, more than 70% of dentists reported observing signs of teeth grinding and clenching in their patients. This marked an increase of nearly 10% compared to the previous year. Additionally, over 60% of dentists noted that patients were experiencing issues related to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), including symptoms like jaw pain and headaches.
Indicators of Teeth Grinding
It’s common for people not to realize that they clench or grind their teeth. Dentists and dental hygienists are often the first to detect teeth grinding, and some telltale signs include:
● Chipped or cracked teeth
● Worn or damaged areas along the edges of teeth
While most teeth grinding occurs during sleep, some individuals also clench or grind during the day, particularly when they’re feeling tense, anxious, or under pressure.
If you’re grinding your teeth, you may experience the following:
● Pain or tenderness in your jaw
● Dull headaches
● Ear-related discomfort, such as plugged, painful, or itchy ears
● Neck pain
Other reasons for your teeth grinding could be :
● Sleep disorders
● Dental misalignment (teeth not lining up properly)
● Missing or crooked teeth
If you are grinding your teeth and looking for a solution contact us at A Briter Smile to schedule an appointment.
Other reasons for your teeth grinding could be :
● Sleep disorders
● Dental misalignment (teeth not lining up properly)
● Missing or crooked teeth
If you are grinding your teeth and looking for a solution contact us at A Briter Smile to schedule an appointment.
Sport Guard
Participating in sports and recreational activities, especially those involving collisions, contact, or high speeds, can increase the likelihood of dental or orofacial injuries. Using a mouthguard has been proven to be effective in reducing the risk of such injuries related to sports.
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), it is recommended that individuals wear a properly fitted mouthguard to lower the chances and severity of oral injuries when engaging in sports or recreational activities, especially those with a significant risk of dental trauma or orofacial injury. These mouthguards should be designed to stay securely in place, providing a protective surface on the dental arch, typically focusing on the upper jaw (maxilla), which is most vulnerable to injury. They also offer protection against soft tissue injuries to the lips and cheeks.
Here at A Briter smile located in Highland Park Los Angeles,CA we promote patient education regarding the advantages of using mouthguards
The ADA strongly advocates for the widespread use of orofacial protectors, such as mouthguards, that are properly fitted. This recommendation is aimed at significantly reducing the occurrence and severity of dental trauma and orofacial injuries.
So if you interested to learn more about mouthguard please contact us at (323) 255-8774 to schedule an appointment .
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