The steps to building a better smile often begin with bruxism prevention. However, you may already be suffering from bruxism and not even know it yet. Thus, it is important to look for any signs or indications to determine if you are chewing or grinding your teeth while you sleep.
Common symptoms of bruxism include pain and a heightened sensitivity to your jaw and facial areas when you wake up. If you feel any jaw or face pain, tight muscles, headaches, earaches, or pain when trying to fully open and close your jaw, you may be under the influence of sleep bruxism.
Physical harm and visible damage can often arise while you’re sleeping due to bruxism. If you suffer from visible damage, it could become more noticeable as time goes by. Each morning, inspect your teeth to see if any damage has occurred, including looking for signs of any new fractures, chips, or cracks in your teeth that weren’t there previously. Damage can also arise in other areas, including indentations on your tongue from chewing on the inner linings of your cheeks.
For any further questions or concerns about bruxism, E. P. True Dental - West Des Moines, IA is here to help. Speak with Dr. Pete Olberding and our team at our dentist office in West Des Moines, Iowa. To schedule an appointment, call us at (515) 224-9899.