Do This While Asleep (and Awake) and You Could Cause Major Damage to Your Teeth

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Do This While Asleep (and Awake) and You Could
Cause Major Damage to Your Teeth
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• Bruxism, more commonly known as teeth grinding,
  occurs when a person clenches their jaw together
  tightly, causing their teeth to gnash against one
  another. Because grinding usually happens when a
  person is asleep, the majority of people affected
  by this habit are completely unaware of this
  severe dental hazard. Today, we will take a brief
  look at the causes and effects of chronic teeth
  grinding.

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What Causes Teeth Grinding?

• Chronic teeth grinding can be caused by a number
  of factors, and can occur both in children and
  adults. Surprisingly, however, becoming a jaw
  clencher can happen to adults later on in life,
  even if they have never had an issue with it
  before.

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• Teeth grinding is most often caused by stress,
  anxiety, and sleeping disorders such as sleep
  apnea. In some cases, people who consume large
  amounts of caffeine (or smoke directly before
  eating) can struggle with this as well.

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How Can Teeth Grinding Be Treated?

• Thankfully, there are a number of different
  treatments for reversing and preventing the
  effects of chronic teeth grinding. Keep in mind
  that the exact treatment for a case of bruxism
  will vary depending on its cause, however some
  common treatments include

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• Avoiding Caffeine Long after falling asleep for
  the night, caffeine has been known to continue
  working on your bodys muscles. Eliminating
  caffeine (such as cola, chocolate, and coffee)
  before bed can help to reduce the severity of
  teeth grinding.

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• Avoiding Alcohol Despite being a depressant,
  consuming alcohol before bed could intensify
  teeth grinding. Avoid consuming any alcoholic
  beverages before bed to help your jaw and teeth
  rest soundly.

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• Wear a Mouth Guard In some cases, your dentist
  may suggest that you begin wearing a mouth guard
  at night. Not only does this protect your teeth
  from the effects of chronic bruxism, it also
  helps to train your jaw to relax.

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• Wear an Obstructive Sleep Apnea Oral Appliance
  An obstructive sleep apnea oral appliance can
  help to treat mild to moderate sleep apnea.

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• Although many people are unaware that they grind
  at night, if you suspect (or have been told) that
  you are suffering from chronic bruxism, it is
  suggested you visit a dentist for professional
  advice as soon as possible. In the meantime, try
  cutting out caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco
  immediately before bed to help ease your jaw.

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• If you suspect you may have a sleep disorder or
  sleep apnea, visit our Newport News Dentists for
  an oral evaluation and/or referral to a sleep
  specialist. Our dentists in Newport News are
  trained to treat patients with sleep-related
  conditions and sleep-related dental issues.

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• For More Information, Visit Us

http//morrisondentalgroup.com/