Do you often notice that you have been clenching your jaw when thinking about something? Numerous people suffer from the same thing, often, without even knowing. That is because, aside from occurring unconsciously during the daytime, it can also happen at night during sleep.Curious if you are suffering from the said disorder? Here are some of the symptoms to watch out for:

• Broken teeth or restorations
• Sleep disruptions (for you, bed partner, or family members)
• Head, ear, and facial pains
• Stiffness or pain in the joint that connects the jaw and the skull, as well as its surrounding muscles. This sensation may lead to TMJ/TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder).
• Increase in tooth sensitivity
• Worn down teeth
• Tooth loss

For people who experience the things listed above, we at Mount Vernon Dental Smiles highly encourage them to seek professional help. To understand the importance of doing so, here are the things they should know about bruxism:There are various causes of the conditionUnfortunately, the contributing factors that can lead to bruxism are not yet fully understood. But several instances make a person more likely to grind their teeth. For example, if they feel anxious, frustrated, or tense. Drinking caffeinated substances or smoking before bedtime, misaligned teeth, and a competitive personality can cause its occurrence as well.Sufferers are not aware of their situationAs already mentioned above, since it takes place at night and unconsciously during the day, patients may not know that they grind their teeth. There are also cases where people remain in denial, although the signs are already pretty obvious.Bruxism can occur later in lifeAlthough a person does not grind their teeth and clenches their jaw now, know that they can acquire the condition in the future due to certain circumstances. That said, it is essential for people to be vigilant with the state of their oral health.Children do it more than adultsKids who suffer from bruxism does not indicate that they are stressed out. They tend to make this a habit if they experience earaches, during the development of their jaw, or teething.

• Quick fact: Bruxism runs in the family, but for children, they can outgrow this disorder by adolescence.

Bruxism is treatableAt Mount Vernon Dental Smiles, we understand the possible consequences of bruxism. That is why we make it our mission to make patients aware of its symptoms and then provide them with a means for treatment. Our practice can custom-create night guards to be worn over the teeth at night. With it on, the contact of the upper and lower dental arches can be restricted. Pressures applied when clenching can be reduced as well so that any forms of damage can be avoided.Get added protection to your teeth by opting for Dental Night Guards in Alexandria, VA! To get started, book your appointment with Mount Vernon Dental Smiles! We are located at 8101 Hinson Farm Road #216, Alexandria, VA 22306.