It is suggested that around 20% of Americans grind their teeth. You may not be aware that you grind your teeth in your sleep, but this problem could affect the sleep of your partner. This could damage your relationship, as lack of sleep can result in irritability and loss of intimacy.
Teeth grinding can also create a host of other problems for those affected. The pressure exerted on your teeth when grinding is significantly greater than what would occur during the day, with measurements finding that it can be up to 130% harder at night.
Problems Associated with Teeth Grinding
Aside from the irritation that you may be causing for your spouse or partner, teeth grinding is known to cause other issues. The long-term effects of tooth grinding include severely chipped teeth or teeth worn down prematurely. You may be at a higher risk of needing root canal surgery, experience swollen gums or retracted gums, which may lead to periodontitis.
This issue could result in tooth loss later in life. The more immediate symptoms of teeth grinding include further grinding noises and problems with eating, which can be embarrassing socially. You may also experience sore jaw muscles upon awakening, causing challenges in your daily routine.
Another symptom of teeth grinding is damage to the tongue or feeling defacement to the inner cheek upon awakening. Teeth grinding may affect your physical appearance, causing the face to look shorter between the chin and the nose. It can also cause an enlargement of the muscle that connects the lower jawbone to the cheekbone. This can make your jaw look noticeably bigger.
Botox for Teeth Grinding
Long considered an answer to facial wrinkles and crow’s feet, Botox® is an effective solution for teeth grinding problems. As tooth grinding is a result of clenched muscles, Botox relaxes the Masseter muscles and prevents the grinding of teeth during sleep. It will not affect your ability to chew or talk. The procedure can be completed in as little as 30 minutes and the results can last for several months.
To get on board with this revolutionary new therapy, do not hesitate to contact Maia Plastic Surgery in Tysons Corner, Virginia, or Chevy Chase, Maryland, today.
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