Bruxism/Grinding
Bruxism/Grinding
What’s that pain you’ve been having in your jaw, your ear, your face, your head? It very likely might be Bruxism, grinding your teeth often in your sleep when you are not aware of it. We can address this problem and resolve the discomfort and pain it causes you. We are trained in treating bruxism.
What is Bruxism?
Bruxism is the act of consciously or unconsciously clenching or grinding your teeth either during the day or while you sleep. Bruxism is considered both a medical and a dental problem. This is because it affects both the teeth and all of the structure near it, including the head.
Effects of Bruxism
People grind their teeth for a variety of reasons. Doctors believe that it is because of stress. Dentists say that it happens because one’s teeth are not properly aligned with each other. Whatever the cause, treatment should not be delayed. Teeth grinding may not seem to be a major health issue but can lead to problems such as broken, chipped or worn teeth; broken dentures; headaches and migraines; ear ringing; sore jaw joints (TMJ); dizziness; and sore head, neck and shoulder muscles.
Indications of Bruxism
- Intense clenching of teeth, sometimes forceful enough to wake you up
- Flattened, worn down, and chipped teeth
- Worn tooth enamel
- Sensitive teeth (jolts of pain from cold or hot foods and beverages or bristles of a toothbrush)
- Pain and tightness in the jaws and surrounding muscles
- Ear aches and/or ear ringing
- Headaches and/or migraines
- Sore jaw joints
- Muscle pain in face, neck or shoulders
Treatment for Bruxism
You will be fitted by our dentist with custom mouthguards to prevent you from grinding and clenching your teeth. Night mouthguards are bite pads that are worn at night as you sleep. These guards are made of high-grade plastic and should fit the teeth or mouth perfectly. This device keeps the upper teeth from grinding with the lower teeth, offering an instant solution to teeth clenching problems.