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| Domenick Coletti image credit: treatment-for-tmj.com |
Most people don’t realize that they might be putting their teeth in harm even while they sleep. Dentists, like Dr. Domenick Coletti, agree that it is important to understand the causes and effects of teeth grinding before complications develop.
Medically known as bruxism, teeth grinding usually occurs while a person is asleep. This condition is believed to be caused by having crooked or missing teeth or an abnormal bite, and is often associated with stress and anxiety. Since people usually experience this condition while they are asleep, most of them are unaware that they grind their teeth and only realize it when other people hear the grinding or when they wake up with a sore jaw or headache.
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| Domenick Coletti image credit: cala-millor.eu |
Although teeth grinding may appear to be harmless, dentists, like Dr. Domenick Coletti, agree that it can be harmful once it becomes chronic. Those who grind their teeth constantly may suffer from fractured or loose teeth, tooth loss, hearing loss, temporomandibular disorders, and even a change in facial appearance.
To stop teeth grinding, patients may ask their dentist for a mouth guard which they can wear while they are asleep. They can also seek help in stress management if their condition is caused by stress or anxiety. Cutting back on caffeinated and alcoholic drinks can also help ease their anxiety.
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| Domenick Coletti image credit: centralmarylandoms.com |
Based in Columbia, MD, Dr. Domenick Coletti specializes in oral and maxillofacial surgery. To learn more, visit www.centralmarylandoms.com.
