Khaberni - Do you sometimes suffer from jaw pain or temple headaches and don’t know why? You might be grinding or clenching your teeth without realizing it, whether during the day or while sleeping.
According to a report by ScienceAlert, there are 3 hidden signs that can reveal this habit which may harm the health of your mouth and teeth in the long term.
1. Pain or discomfort in the face and jaw
If you feel pain or discomfort in your temple, mouth, jaw, or even near your ear at least once a week, you might be unknowingly clenching or grinding your teeth.
This pain stems from the constant strain on the chewing muscles during clenching or grinding.
2. Difficulty or pain during opening or chewing
People who frequently grind their teeth may feel pain when opening their mouth or while chewing.
You might feel as if the jaw “locks” or experiences clicking or temporary locking, especially in the morning after waking up. This sign is often a strong indicator of an unnoticed grinding problem.
3. Jaw makes unusual sounds
You might experience a sensation where your jaw suddenly locks or makes a “click” sound or clicks when attempting to open your mouth or chew.
These sounds are not normal and may be a result of the continuous pressure on the jaw joints during teeth grinding or clenching.
What is teeth grinding and why does it happen?
Teeth grinding (Bruxism) is an involuntary reaction occurring when the chewing muscles tense up and the teeth are pressed together or rub against each other forcefully, whether awake or asleep.
Some studies estimate that about one in six people grind their teeth during sleep, and one in four do so during the day unconsciously.
Several factors can contribute to this behavior, including stress, anxiety, depression, certain psychiatric medications, as well as excessive intake of caffeine or alcohol and smoking.
There is also a strong link between sleep apnea (Sleep Apnea) and teeth grinding, as the lack of oxygen in the blood causes the release of stress hormones that promote this behavior.
How can your doctor detect it?
Your dentist might notice evident wear on the surfaces of teeth or fillings, or broken edges or loose teeth during an examination, which are common signs of repeated clenching or grinding.
Scars or white lines inside the cheeks or on the tongue caused by friction of the muscles and tissues against the teeth may also appear.
What can you do about it?
Oral health experts advise that the first step is always to visit a dentist or general practitioner for assessment.
After identifying the cause, the doctors may recommend the following:
A custom “Night Guard” to protect the teeth from wear while sleeping.
Screening for sleep disorders such as sleep apnea via a certified sleep test.
Physical therapy sessions for jaw muscles to relieve spasm and pain.
In some cases, Botox injections may be used to reduce jaw muscle movement, although it is not suitable for everyone and needs to be repeated.
To improve the situation, simple lifestyle changes can reduce the pressure on the teeth, such as: reducing caffeine and alcohol, improving sleeping habits, staying away from electronic devices before bedtime, and learning relaxation techniques to reduce muscle tension.
