There are several reasons people grind or clench their teeth. This is referred to as bruxism, and is often the result of muscle tension, stress, or a misaligned dental bite.
Teeth grinding and clenching is an annoying problem that usually occurs while you’re sleeping. Since you’re not aware that it’s happening, you may awaken with headaches or pain in your jaw, neck, and shoulders. In some cases, it’s such a problem that the grinding sound can be heard by others.
Obviously, this chronic pain can have a severe negative impact on your life. It can be particularly frustrating when you don’t know why you’re experiencing these painful symptoms.
If you’re grinding your teeth due to a misaligned dental bite, Dr. Goel can evaluate your situation and work with you to correct the problem. Another problem with teeth grinding is the toll it can take on your teeth. The constant grinding and clenching can gradually wear down the surface of the teeth, potentially leading to TMJ.
If you believe that you are grinding your teeth excessively, please contact our Queen Anne Dental office. Dr. Goel can often help prevent teeth grinding with a simple appliance called an occlusal splint to get you the relief you need.
