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woman sleeping 1Did you know that many people are unaware of the fact that they are damaging their teeth during their sleep? These people have a teeth grinding habit and wake up none the wiser to the fact that they have subjected their teeth to serious strain and potential damage. Unfortunately, the risks associated with teeth grinding can be quite severe, including broken teeth. So how does one become aware of a teeth grinding habit if it occurs during sleep? Your Brighton dentist, Dr. Thomas Villani, has put together a list of four clues that can indicate teeth grinding (bruxism).

Four Signs of Bruxism

  1. Sensitivities. When teeth are subjected to the extreme forces of bruxism, they can become sore or sensitive. Often, these sensitivities occur in the morning, following the nighttime strain. If you notice recurring sensitivities in your teeth, the culprit could be bruxism.
  2. A sore jaw. The jaw also suffers from bruxism. Soreness in your jaw may indicate that you are grinding or clenching your teeth while you sleep, so don’t ignore it if you find your jaw to be tender often.
  3. Frequent headaches. Bruxism has been connected with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. The strain from teeth grinding can wear on the TMJs, causing a disorder to develop. Among the symptoms of TMJ disorders are frequent headaches, migraines, facial pain, and earaches.
  4. Enamel loss or visual signs of wear. Before teeth suffer major structural damage like cracks, chips, or breaks, bruxism can wear them down, leaving visible evidence of the damage that has occurred. Teeth may lose enamel, exposing the yellower under layer of dentin, and they may also be visibly worn down. During a dental visit, your Brighton dentist, Dr. Villani, will examine your teeth for signs of bruxism, and if they are present, he may recommend an oral appliance called a night guard to protect your teeth from further damage.

Schedule a Visit with Your Brighton Dentist

Do you suspect that you are grinding your teeth at night? Contact your Brighton dentist, Dr. Villani, to schedule an appointment or a consultation by calling Brighton Family Dental Group at (617) 562-5210. We proudly serve patients from Watertown, Cambridge, Brookline, Newton, Brighton, and the 02135 area.