Posted on 11/15/2024 by Lehigh Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
[[[picSnoring-Man-Couple.jpg|400||right|TPimgRight|Woman sleeping next to man snoring before making appointment at Lehigh Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in Allentown, PA]]]Do you wake up with a sore jaw or a headache? Do you hear noises like grinding or clicking coming from your mouth at night? If so, you may have bruxism, a condition that causes you to grind or clench your teeth while you sleep.
What is Bruxism?
Bruxism is a common condition that affects millions of people. It can occur at any age, but it is most common in children and young adults.
There are two types of bruxism:
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Awake bruxism: This type of bruxism occurs when you are awake, often during times of stress or concentration.
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Sleep bruxism: This type of bruxism occurs while you are asleep.
What are the Symptoms of Sleep Bruxism?
The symptoms of sleep bruxism can vary from person to person. Some of the most common symptoms include:
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Jaw pain or soreness
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Headaches
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Earaches
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Tooth sensitivity
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Loose or chipped teeth
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Flattened teeth
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Jaw muscle fatigue
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Disrupted sleep
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A clicking or grinding sound from your mouth at night
How is Sleep Bruxism Diagnosed?
If you think you may have sleep bruxism, it is important to see a dentist or oral surgeon. They will be able to examine your mouth and jaw and ask you about your symptoms. They may also order tests, such as an electromyography (EMG) or a polysomnography, to confirm the diagnosis.
How is Sleep Bruxism Treated?
There is no cure for sleep bruxism, but there are treatments that can help manage the symptoms. Some common treatments include:
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Lifestyle changes: Reducing stress, avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bed, and getting enough sleep can all help reduce bruxism.
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Mouth guards: A mouth guard is a custom-made appliance that you wear over your teeth at night. It helps protect your teeth from damage and can also reduce the grinding and clenching.
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Botox injections: Botox injections can be used to relax the muscles that are responsible for grinding and clenching.
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Oral care: Maintaining good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing regularly, can help prevent further damage to your teeth.
Can Sleep Bruxism Be Prevented?
There is no way to completely prevent sleep bruxism, but there are things you can do to reduce your risk. These include:
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Managing stress: Stress is a major contributor to bruxism, so finding ways to manage stress can be helpful.
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Avoiding caffeine and alcohol: Caffeine and alcohol can both worsen bruxism symptoms.
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Getting enough sleep: When you are well-rested, you are less likely to grind or clench your teeth.
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Seeing a dentist or oral surgeon regularly: Regular dental checkups can help identify bruxism early so that it can be treated.
Restoration Dentistry and Sleep Bruxism
If you have sleep bruxism, it is important to see a dentist or oral surgeon who specializes in restoration dentistry. Restoration dentistry is the branch of dentistry that focuses on repairing and replacing damaged teeth. A restorative dentist can help repair or replace any teeth that have been damaged by bruxism. They can also provide you with a custom-made mouth guard to help protect your teeth from further damage.
Conclusion
If you think you may have sleep bruxism, it is important to see a dentist or oral surgeon. They can help diagnose and treat the condition and can also help you prevent further damage to your teeth.
Dental Blog | Lehigh Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery | Allentown, PA Check out the dental blog that Lehigh Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in Allentown, PA put together to educate our patients. Lehigh Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 1251 S Cedar Crest Blvd #311, Allentown, PA 18103, (610) 435-6161, lehighoms.com, 12/4/2024, Page Phrases: oral surgeon Allentown PA,
