If you wake up and suddenly feel pain in your jaw, but have no signs of a cavity, you may be grinding your teeth. Teeth grinding or bruxism; the repetitive, involuntary movement of the jaw, is common, and may even affect up to 16% of the population. Grinding can cause numerous oral health issues such as wearing down of the tooth enamel, headaches, and damage to the jaw joint. If you notice any of these symptoms, talk to your dentist about these possible reasons.

3 Reasons You Might Be Grinding Your Teeth & How to Fix It

1. Stress

If you are stressed out or anxious, your entire body may tense up, including your jaw. It’s likely you’re clenching without realizing it, especially in your sleep. Set reminder alarms to unclench your jaw during the day, and try some relaxing activities like reading a book or doing yoga before going to bed every night. You can also ask your dentist about a mouth guard to mitigate this issue. That way, if you do clench, you aren’t hurting your tooth enamel.

2. Bite Imbalance 

A bite imbalance happens when all of the teeth are not lined up properly with your jaw joints. The muscles in your jaw may be trying to involuntarily correct this misalignment, which results in gnawing or grinding. Mention a possible bite imbalance to your dentist at your next visit. They may take dental X-rays to make an official diagnosis.

3. Sleep Apnea

If you’re clenching your jaw due to sleep apnea, you may be doing it to try and save your life. Some people with sleep apnea clench their jaw to prevent their tongue from moving back toward the throat while they sleep. If you haven’t been diagnosed with sleep apnea, but show other signs and symptoms like loud snoring, restless sleep, or morning headaches, talk to your doctor about visiting a sleep professional.

Stop grinding your teeth for good with help from Main Street Dental in La Crosse, WI. Dentist Dr. Kujak and his team of oral health professionals create tailored plans for you to meet your dental care needs. Whether you need a tooth extraction, are interested in teeth whitening, or are ready for your semiannual teeth cleaning, they’re here to make your visit successful and comfortable. For more information about their available services, visit them online, and call (608) 784-4063 to schedule an appointment.