Grinding Your Teeth Can Give You A Headache

Does your wife or partner complain, every morning, about your teeth grinding or teeth clenching keeping her awake? The very fact that your wife complained about it keeping her awake made you aware about your habit. It is always the person sleeping at the side of you who will be able to tell you you have a problem with teeth grinding. This habit of grinding and clenching the teeth is known as bruxism.

People with irregular or infrequent bruxism are not  affected very much. They do not really show significant damage done to the jaws and teeth. It is those who are habitual grinders who get affected. In severe cases it can also damage one’s jaw or hearing.

The question arises as to how would one know if he or she grinds or clenches their teeth? If detected how bruxism can be treated? It has been studied that some people make a noise when grinding their teeth thus making it detectable while some do not make a single sound making it hard to detect.
There are two ways one can know if they have bruxism, first is when your partner complains about it and second is when after a night’s sleep you get up with an ache in your jaws or a slight, persistent headache. Whatever the case, a checkup by our office is pertinent.

Consequences of teeth grinding or clenching:

There are many outcomes to teeth grinding two of which are mentioned above:

• Severe toothache
• Sensitive to biting food
• Sensitive to hot or cold food
• In advanced cases the teeth can break or result in fractures
• Tooth loss

Precaution And Treatment

People visiting our office usually complain of severe toothache. To stop this toothache the very habit has to be put to an end. Otherwise there are other factors that could cause it and have to be contained:

• Lower stress and relax daily
• Reduce alcohol consumption and intake of caffeine
• If grinding becomes a problem at night ask us about our recommendations for a nightguard
• It may be caused by an irregular bite, then we would need to perform teeth alignment.

Dr. Jay Jorgensen D.D.S. 760-323-2771

What Causes Gingivitis?

The most common cause of gingivitis is poor oral hygiene that encourages plaque to form. Plaque is an invisible, sticky film composed mainly of bacteria. Plaque forms on your teeth when starches and sugars in food interact with bacteria normally found in your mouth. Brushing and flossing your teeth each day removes plaque. Plaque requires daily removal because it re-forms quickly, usually within 24 hours.

Plaque that stays on your teeth longer than two or three days can harden under your gumline into tartar (calculus). Tartar makes plaque more difficult to remove and creates a protective shield for bacteria. You usually can't get rid of tartar by brushing and flossing, you need a professional dental cleaning to remove it.

The longer that plaque and tartar remain on your teeth, the more they irritate the gingiva, the part of your gum around the base of your teeth. In time, your gums become swollen and bleed easily.

Factors that can increase your risk of gingivitis include:
Poor oral health habits 
Tobacco use 
Diabetes
Older age 
Decreased immunity as a result of leukemia, HIV/AIDS or other conditions
Certain medications
Certain viral and fungal infections 
Dry mouth
Hormonal changes, such as those related to pregnancy, your menstrual cycle or use of oral contraceptives 
Poor nutrition
Substance abuse
Ill-fitting dental restorations                                     


Untreated gingivitis can progress to gum disease that spreads to underlying tissue and bone (periodontitis), a much more serious condition that can lead to tooth loss. Periodontitis and poor oral health in general may also affect your overall health in ways that aren't completely understood. Studies link periodontitis to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke or lung disease. And women with periodontitis may be more likely to give birth to premature babies or babies with low birth weight than are women with healthy gums. Although more research is needed, these studies highlight the importance of taking good care of your teeth and gums.


Prevention 


The best way to prevent gingivitis is a program of good dental hygiene, one that you begin early and practice consistently throughout life. That means brushing your teeth at least twice daily — in the morning and before going to bed — and flossing at least once a day. Better yet, brush after every meal or snack or as your dentist recommends. A complete cleaning with a toothbrush and floss should take three to five minutes. Flossing before you brush allows you to clean away the loosened food particles and bacteria.


Also, see us regularly for professional cleanings, usually every six to 12 months. If you have risk factors that increase your chance of developing gingivitis, you may need professional dental cleanings more often.


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