Fans of the classic
cartoon series The Simpsons may remember the third season
episode “Colonel Homer,” where Marge angrily grinds her teeth at
hearing Lurleen Lumpkin’s new song that suggested her feelings for
Homer. However, grinding the teeth, called bruxism, can be dangerous
in real life. It may even lead to certain health complications that
would require visiting a dental office in your community.
Causes
Teeth grinding is often
caused by stress, and it also occurs during sleep. You may wake up
with symptoms such as a sore jaw, headaches, and even wounds on the
inside of the cheeks if the teeth hit the inner lining. Chronic
grinding could wear down the teeth enamel and raise the teeth’s
sensitivity while drinking, eating or brushing.
Treatment
There are ways to stop
bruxism. One of the things your dentist may recommend is wearing a
mouth guard before you sleep. When teeth grinding occurs, the teeth
will simply move against the mouth guard’s material without wearing
it down. Your dentist may also suggest that you reduce or stop
consuming soda, coffee, and chocolates. Not only can excessive
consumption of these foods and drinks damage your teeth’s enamel,
but their caffeine content may also induce bruxism.
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