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Do you have a headache from the time you wake up until the time you go to bed?
Your headache may be the result of grinding your teeth while you sleep. Teeth grinding is sometimes associated with stress, but it can also be from an abnormal bite or crooked and missing teeth.
Bruxism is the act of clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth while you sleep. There are several elements that can cause this problem, including sleep disorders, tobacco, alcohol or other substances, and stress.
Bruxism Can Be a Serious Issue
Bruxism can be a serious dental problem that can lead to other problems besides headaches, such as broken teeth, tooth wear and damage to the bone structure of the jaw joint with temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ syndrome). A clenched jaw exerts excessive force of 200 lbs. of pressure on the teeth and jaw joints. It’s no wonder you have a headache!
Symptoms of Bruxism
- Pain in your teeth
- Tooth sensitivity to pressure, heat, and cold
- Chipping or cracking teeth, flattened teeth, especially on surfaces where teeth come in contact
- Aching jaw and face muscles
- Stiffness in the jaw upon waking
- Poor quality sleep
- Earaches, ringing in the ears and sinus pain
- Stiff neck and shoulders
- Long-term Effects of Bruxism
- If left untreated, bruxism can have long-term effects, and plague you with symptoms that progressively worsen to an unbearable state. Some of the long-term effects are found below:
A qualified dentist can determine if bruxism is the cause of your headaches and offer solutions, such as tooth repair, aligning your bite or creating a custom night guard designed to protect your teeth while you sleep. These measures will curb bruxism symptoms, and eliminate headaches.
Your teeth should last your entire life; however, bruxism is a damaging condition that wears them down.
