Do you find yourself waking up frequently with headaches, jaw pain, or neck pain? Have you noticed any wear on your teeth?
Did you know that you may be clenching or grinding your teeth during the night? What causes clenching and grinding, or bruxism?
There are different factors for everyone; however, a new study from the Journal of the American Dental Association explains how alcohol, caffeine, tobacco, and drug abuse are related to bruxism (chronic clenching and grinding).
What Causes Bruxism?
We understand that life situations such as anxiety or stress can contribute to bruxism; however, a new study is shedding light on the fact that our lifestyle choices may also have an impact.
Recent findings show that the chances of suffering from bruxism during the night are nearly doubled for those who use tobacco products or consume alcohol. For people who drink eight or more cups of coffee, the chances of bruxism are increased one-and-a-half times. Even though we know that bruxism is increased with these products, scientists still aren't sure why, or what triggers bruxism.
The Effects of Bruxism
If left untreated, bruxism can cause a number of dental issues such as:
- Excessive wear and fractures to your teeth
- Problems with your jaw joint (TMJ)
- A misaligned bite
- Headaches, neck, shoulder, and facial pain
Call Your Birmingham AL Dentist
During your dental exam and cleaning, Dr. Aaron Cook can identify these signs of bruxism as well as a number of other oral health issues. Call Cook Family and Cosmetic Dentistry today to get a thorough evaluation of your oral health.