Sore jaw? You may be grinding your teeth
Do you often have a sore jaw and teeth — you could be suffering from teeth grinding.
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is the clenching of the jaw and grinding of the teeth. Teeth grinding can cause teeth to become painful or loose, and sometimes parts of the teeth are literally ground away. Eventually, this can destroy the surrounding bone and gum tissue and lead to jaw problems.
For many people, teeth grinding is an unconscious habit. The most common causes are stress, anxiety, smoking, caffeine and sleeping disorders. So how can you stop grinding your teeth? It's best to consult your dentist to help development a treatment plan specialized for you. Night guards or a professionally made mouth guard can help prevent some grinding. By addressing and treating bruxism early, you can prevent extensive damage to your teeth.
Make sure you combine good at-home dental practices with routine checkups. If you don’t have a regular dentist or have been putting off a dental checkup, the Union Plus Dental Discount Plan can help you save on your next dental visit. Search for a participating dentist near you and schedule an appointment today!
*These plans are not insurance.