As Stone Mountain, Georgia’s leading provider of dental services, we focus on protecting your oral health and improving your quality of life. That all starts with recognizing when there’s a problem. Here are five surprising signs that you might be grinding your teeth.
Morning Jaw Pain
Waking up with sore or tense jaw muscles is a common sign of teeth grinding. Jaw clenching and teeth grinding at night force the muscles around your jaw to work harder than usual. This, in turn, can lead to serious discomfort when you wake up. This persistent tension can also result in headaches and difficulty opening your mouth fully.
Worn or Flattened Teeth
Over time, grinding your teeth can break down their surfaces, making them appear flat or uneven. This damage may not be immediately noticeable but can increase sensitivity and fractures.
Headaches
Frequent headaches, especially around your temples, could indicate nighttime grinding. The tension caused by clenching your jaw radiates to the surrounding muscles, often leading to dull, persistent headaches.
Increased Tooth Sensitivity
Grinding wears down enamel, the protective outer layer of your teeth, exposing the sensitive inner layers. This can make eating and drinking hot or cold foods uncomfortable.
Damaged Dental Work
Teeth grinding doesn’t just harm your natural teeth; it can also affect crowns, fillings, and other dental work. Although dental restorations are very sturdy, the force placed on them when grinding your teeth can lead to cracks, chips, or loosening.
Teeth Grinding Solutions in Stone Mountain, GA
If you suspect teeth grinding, don’t waste another moment. The symptoms may get steadily worse until you have a dental emergency. If you take action early, teeth grinding is often treatable with simple, effective strategies like oral appliances.
Call Smile Source Atlanta East at 678-515-4200 to schedule a consultation with our experienced dental specialists in Stone Mountain, GA.
