If you grind your teeth together at night, this is a condition also known as bruxism. Grinding your teeth at night can put terrible pressure on your tooth enamel, which can do great damage to your teeth. If you grind your teeth, and you’re not taking steps to protect the tooth enamel, you could develop painful dental problems.

Unfortunately, many people are unaware when they grind their teeth at night. As your dentist in Katy and Houston, TX, we can help you identify this problem and decide on a course of action. Here’s what you need to know.

What is teeth grinding?

Teeth grinding is a condition that occurs when a person clamps their jaw tightly shut and grinds their teeth together. People can do this while awake or while asleep, but many people do it while asleep.

What are the signs that I grind my teeth?

Some people who grind their teeth at night notice a range of symptoms, others notice no symptoms at all. If you grind your teeth at night, you may notice the following symptoms:

• Teeth are worn down
• Teeth are sensitive to hot and cold temperatures
• Broken or cracked teeth
• Headaches, especially in the morning when first awake
• Pain in the neck, jaw and shoulders
• Earaches
• Poor quality sleep

Even if you don’t notice any symptoms of teeth grinding, your dentist very likely will. Going to the dentist on a regular basis can help catch this problem early, before your teeth are really damaged by the condition.

What can I do to protect my teeth?

If you grind your teeth, it’s important to see your dentist. Your dentist can order a night guard to protect your teeth. To have your teeth examined, call Chloe Dental for dental exams in Katy and Houston, TX.