If you’ve ever woken up with a sore jaw or a headache that feels like you’ve been in a midnight boxing match, you might be unknowingly dealing with a nighttime habit. It’s called bruxism, and while it may sound like a rare, complex medical term, it’s actually fairly common. Bruxism is simply the medical term for teeth grinding or clenching.
This sneaky habit can mess with your dental health and overall vibe. But don’t fret—chiropractic care could be your unexpected hero in this battle! If you’re ready to kick bruxism to the curb, we’ve got your back (and your jaw).
Bruxism can be difficult to notice, especially if it happens during the night, and it can be even more difficult to spot in younger children. This can be particularly problematic because children who grind their teeth often wear down their baby teeth faster than normal. As a result, the alignment of their permanent teeth may be affected when they grow in, causing long-term damage.
Whether you are concerned for yourself or a child, it's essential to catch and address bruxism early. Fortunately, there are some telltale signs that your sleep, or your child’s sleep, isn’t as restful as you think. Here are just a few of them.
It’s vital to seek professional help if you're experiencing any of these symptoms because teeth clenching and grinding should never be ignored. Your teeth aren’t the only things that will be impacted. There’s a domino effect to bruxism, and it certainly isn’t fun to watch.
Protecting your teeth is crucial, but it’s only part of the story. Chronic teeth grinding doesn’t just affect your smile—it can cause a range of other health issues. Here’s a look at some of the serious problems and side effects that bruxism can lead to beyond the dental damage we all know about.
Clearly, bruxism is more than just a dental issue. It's a problem that can impact your overall physical, mental, and emotional health. It’s also a problem that may require more than just a visit to your local dentist.
While it’s important to protect your teeth from damage, some dentists don’t even attempt to address the root cause of bruxism, which means that any treatment options they offer, such as a mouth guard, are akin to putting a band-aid over the problem. They’re addressing the symptom, not the cause.
"Dentists get worried about wearing down the enamel and often don't know how to correct for bruxism,” says Steven Knauf, D.C., director of compliance and chiropractic at The Joint Chiropractic. “They only know how to keep the teeth from being impacted.”
It’s important to understand what is causing you to regularly clench or grind your teeth because that’s the only way you can work on stopping the problem altogether. Here are some of the most common triggers for bruxism.
Because many of these causes are related to joint misalignments and tension in the body, chiropractic care may be able to help.
Although dentists play an important role in protecting your teeth, chiropractors offer a unique approach to treating bruxism and TMJ pain. “Teeth grinding often frustrates people because MDs or dentists may not have many solutions, leaving patients unsure where to turn,” says Dr. Knauf. “The answer? See a chiropractor.”
Here's how chiropractic care may help with bruxism
In addition to providing an adjustment, the licensed doctors of chiropractic at your local The Joint Chiropractic may create a non-invasive treatment plan that includes jaw exercises and tips for reducing stress, sleeping better, and modifying your lifestyle.
Make plans to head to your local The Joint Chiropractic for same-day care—no appointment needed! In the meantime, getting a head start on managing bruxism can make your visit even more effective. Below, you’ll find a list of treatment options to help you tackle teeth grinding. These tips and strategies can complement the personalized care you'll receive at our clinic. We’re here to help you find relief and get back to feeling your best!
Teeth grinding is more common than you might think—affecting about five to eight percent of the population. Many don’t realize the damage they’re doing to their teeth and overall health while they snooze. It's crucial to tackle symptoms early before they lead to bigger issues.
Bruxism can be tricky, and while your dentist might be your first stop, don’t overlook chiropractic care. The chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic offer a unique, non-invasive, and drug-free approach that targets both symptoms and root causes of teeth clenching and grinding. With locations across the nation and no insurance needed, getting relief is a breeze. So, why wait? Swing by for same-day care and get back to dreaming without the grind!
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