6 Common Myths About Teeth Grinding That You Shouldn’t Believe In

Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a condition that involves teeth grinding or clenching on a regular basis. Because most people do this while sleeping, the problem may go unnoticed for a long period before they discover the indicators. An aching jaw, excessively sensitive teeth, and morning headaches are all common bruxism symptoms.

Many people are unaware of this illness, even though it is quite widespread. If you keep grinding your teeth and are just starting to look into treatment options, you may have come across a number of myths regarding this condition that are either mostly or totally false. In this article, we have gathered six common myths about teeth grinding that you shouldn't believe in

1. Only adults have bruxism

This is completely false, and many people's first encounter with bruxism happens while they are young. Children tend to grind their teeth when they first emerge, and while some children's grinding does stop after that, this isn't always the case. If your kid grinds their teeth when their adult teeth emerge, talk to their dentist about the best treatment options, especially if they grind at night. If your dentist will recommend a mouthguard, it is better to choose a custom-made option.

2. Teeth grinding is not a serious condition

Even though teeth grinding may not appear to be harmful in the short term, the long-term consequences can be immensely harmful to your health. If left untreated, bruxism can wear down your teeth to the point of falling out, resulting in bone loss and bacterial infections. It can cause difficulty opening and shutting your mouth, as well as a malocclusion. Bruxism might increase your risk of acquiring hearing loss over time. That's why it is essential to get treatment as soon as possible.

3. Bruxism can disappear on its own

While bruxism does resolve and go away on its own in some cases, particularly in children, some people can continue to grind their teeth for a long time. Professional medical assistance is frequently required. You should be aware that bruxism is caused by a variety of factors, the majority of which do not go away. The symptoms of bruxism will persist as long as the underlying cause is present.

4. Bruxism is incurable

There is a common misconception that people who have bruxism don't stop grinding their teeth. However, approximately half of all kids who have bruxism cease it on their own. Additionally, there are several treatments for tooth grinding based on the fundamental reason. Contact your dentist to determine the best approach to cope with teeth grinding.

5. Mouthguards treat teeth grinding

Mouthguards are used to relieve jaw pressure and protect teeth from additional injury. But you should understand that they don't address the underlying problem, instead of focusing on symptom relief. If you're encouraged to use a mouthguard, get one that's designed just for you. Because they are not designed to suit your jaw, ready-made splints may cause much greater discomfort and dental health problems.

6. Botox treatment for bruxism can do more harm than good

Many people think Botox injections are painful, cause a frozen face, and are toxic and addictive. As a result, many of them are hesitant to undergo Botox therapy, even if it may provide the precise answer they want. Botox has been FDA-approved for nearly 20 years to treat a variety of diseases. Botox has a lengthy track record of safety, with only a few reports of serious adverse effects. When getting Botox injections of any type, it's always best to deal with a skilled specialist.