Can clenching make your front teeth hurt?

I think clench my teeth unconsciously during the night. When I wake up, I'm okay but during the day my 4 upper front teeth start to hurt. It feels like they are bruised or are being pushed out of their position. It's the same pain as when you have braces and they are thightened.





Can clenching cause this sort of pain or do I have to look for another cause?





In relation to this, I have another question: Is it normal that your lower front teeth touch the back of your upper front teeth when you bite down or should there be a gap between them?





(I'm from Belgium, English is not my primary language, sorry for any mistakes)

Can clenching make your front teeth hurt?
Yes, it's called Bruxism(grinding or clenching of the teeth, unintentionally, and at inappropriate times). Bruxers (persons with bruxism) are often unaware that they have developed this habit, and often do not know that treatment is available until damage to the mouth and teeth has been done. Damage caused by bruxism often includes the following symptoms. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:





abraded teeth


facial pain


oversensitive teeth


tense facial and jaw muscles


headaches


dislocation of the jaw


damage to the tooth enamel, exposing the inside of the tooth (dentin)


a popping or clicking in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)


tongue indentations


damage to the inside of the cheek





The forces that can be exerted by the jaw are substantial. Normal chewing places about 68 lbs/sq inch of pressure on the back teeth. If you intentionally clench your teeth you may increase that force to about 150 lbs/sq inch. However, an individual who clenches and grinds their teeth subconsciously at night can place up 1200 lbs/sq inch of force. This force compares the grinding equipment used in industry!


Your dentist can determine if your teeth are out of alignment. There are also night guards that help a lot of people with this condition.
Reply:Hummmm. Have you tried going to the Dentist, they might know whats up, or help you treat it in someway.





Clenching could cause that sort of pain I guess, but I wouldn't know how you could clench your teeth all night. It could be another cause, when having a brace your teeth only hurt then the elastic has been tightened up and its pulling endlessly on your teeth.





I think you should go and speak to your local dentist though.





And... My lower front teeth do touch my upper front teeth when I bite down, and I've just had my brace removed so everythings okay there.
Reply:well i think clenching usually affects your molars rather than your front teeth, so i would go see a dentist.





ps. you have very good English
Reply:I have a link to a good website that provides dental benefits you should talk to a professional www.mybenefitsplus.com/12851363 hope this helps

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