Do you have an important exam coming up that you’re studying for? How about the duties of parenthood and everything that having children entails? Or even a busy and demanding job while balancing your personal life?
Are any of these questions stressing you out? If they are, there is a high possibility that you are clenching your jaw and grinding your teeth, a condition known as Bruxism.
Bruxism has been reported to occur in up to 95% of the adult population. Most people don’t realize that they are clenching or grinding their teeth because it is a subconscious habit. Even if you are aware of your day-to-day habits, there is also a high possibility that you clench and grind your teeth in your sleep.
Some common symptoms that are associated with bruxism include:
• Flattened, chipped, or worn-down teeth
• Interrupted sleep
• A sore jaw when waking up
• Increased tooth pain or sensitivity
• Face, jaw, neck, or shoulder pain/soreness/aches
• A history of headaches or migraines
• A pain that feels like an ear-ache
A mouth guard may alleviate many if not most of these symptoms while preserving the structure of your teeth for better longevity.