Sleeping, 2 Nights Until Christmas
A Joyful Christmas Holiday Period from the team at Balham Dental Studio
Protecting Your Teeth While Sleeping
Avoiding sugary snacks and drinks before bed can help prevent cavities overnight. Brushing and flossing before bedtime can further protect your teeth during the night.
Stress can contribute to oral health issues, such as clenching or grinding teeth. Finding healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, meditation, or relaxation techniques, can help protect your dental health. Try not to worry about not getting those last minute Christmas presents or whether your relative or in-law would like your choice of Christmas socks or jumper you have chosen them, enjoy the time spent together instead
What is Bruxism?
Bruxism is a condition in which you grind or clench your teeth together. It can happen while you are awake or asleep. Bruxism can affect your teeth, gums, jaw joints, and overall well-being.
What are the symptoms of Bruxism?
The most common symptom of bruxism is tooth wear, which can cause your teeth to become flat, chipped, or cracked. You may also experience pain in your jaw, headaches, and earaches.
What causes Bruxism?
The exact cause of bruxism is unknown, but there are several factors that may contribute to it, including:
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Teeth clenching or grinding in the daytime
- Some medications
- Certain medical conditions, such as obstructive sleep apnea
How is Bruxism diagnosed?
We can diagnose bruxism based on your symptoms and a physical exam of your teeth, gums, and jaw joints. We may also take X-rays or other imaging tests to assess the condition of your teeth.
How is Bruxism treated?
The treatment for bruxism depends on the severity of your symptoms. In some cases, no treatment may be necessary if your symptoms are mild. In other cases, your dentist may recommend treatment options such as:
- Nightguards: Nightguards are custom-made mouthpieces that you wear while you sleep to protect your teeth from wear and tear.
- Relaxation techniques: Relaxation techniques, such as yoga or meditation, can help to reduce stress and anxiety, which may help to reduce bruxism.
- Medications: In some cases, your GP may prescribe medications to help you relax or to reduce pain.
How can I prevent Bruxism?
If you are concerned about bruxism, there are a few things you can do to help prevent it:
- Manage stress: Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, yoga, or meditation.
- Get enough sleep: When you are well-rested, you are less likely to grind or clench your teeth.
- See your dentist regularly: Regular dental checkups can help to identify and treat Bruxism early on.
