Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a condition in which you grind, gnash or clench your teeth. If you have bruxism, you may unconsciously clench your teeth when you’re awake or clench/grind them when you are sleeping.
While teeth grinding is often caused by stress and anxiety, it can also be caused by having an abnormal bite, or having missing/crooked teeth. Teeth grinding can also be caused by some sleep disorders such as sleep apnea.
Symptoms of Teeth Grinding
Most people who grind their teeth and clench their jaw are not aware they are doing it and may not experience any symptoms. On the other hand, some people experience many symptoms including facial pain, headaches, and earaches. Other symptoms of teeth grinding include:
- Increased tooth pain or sensitivity
- Pain and stiffness in the temporomandibular joint and surrounding muscles (which can lead to TMD)
- Disrupted sleep for both you and your partner
- Worn-down teeth, which can lead to increased sensitivity and even tooth loss
- Broken, flattened, fractured, chipped, or loose teeth
- Worn tooth enamel, exposing deeper layers of your tooth
- Dull headache starting in the temples
- Damage from chewing on the inside of your cheek
Damage Caused by Teeth Grinding
Occasional teeth grinding does not usually cause harm, but someone who grinds their teeth on a regular basis can damage their teeth and cause other oral health complications to arise.
Regular teeth-grinding can wear down tooth enamel, reinforce improper bite patterns, and leave teeth more susceptible to cavities and decay. It can also cause abfraction, attrition, chips, cracks, fractures, gum recession, and TMJ disorder. Teeth grinding can also cause long-term damage to your jaw causing pain, restricted movement, and a clicking sound as your jaw opens and closes.
Bruxism Treatment Options
When it comes to teeth grinding, there are a few options for treatment. Dental approaches include:
Splints and Mouth Guards
These are designed to keep your teeth separated in order to avoid the damage caused by clenching and grinding.
Dental Corrections
When tooth wear has led to sensitivity or the inability to chew properly, the chewing surfaces of your teeth may need to be reshaped or crowns may need to be used to repair the damage.
Other approaches to treating teeth grinding include stress management, biofeedback, muscle relaxants, and more.
Contact Us for Teeth Grinding Treatment Today
If you suffer from the above symptoms and are looking for a way to prevent future teeth grinding, turn to the team at Saratoga Family Dentistry. We recommend having a custom nightguard made to help relieve any pain and discomfort associated with teeth grinding. Call us today to schedule an appointment or to learn more about your options. We offer teeth grinding treatments for patients in and around the Saratoga Springs, NY area.
