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About Teeth Grinding

Excessive grinding can lead to pain in your jaw and damage to your teeth. If you’re concerned, a dentist can diagnose the problem and prescribe a treatment. The most common treatment is a custom-fitted mouthguard.

Symptoms of Bruxism

Constant, repeated nights of tooth grinding can cause serious symptoms, including:

  • Headaches

  • Chipped or loose teeth.

  • Poor quality sleep.

  • Worn tooth enamel.

  • Sore Temporomandibular joint, neck and shoulders

Here are Five Things That Can Cause Tooth Grinding

1. Medical Conditions

Obstructive Sleep Apnea has been found as one of the top causes of sleep bruxism. If you have OSA - it means that your body is having a difficult time finding an airway to breathe while you sleep. As a defense mechanism - your body moves your lower jaw in an effort to maximize your airway. The result of this is the destruction of your dentition through bruxism. Obstructive sleep apnea also leaves you at higher risk for stroke, heart attack, heart disease, and diabetes.

2. Lifestyle Factors

Certain lifestyle factors can cause bruxism. Smoking and drinking alcohol can interfere with your sleep and cause you to grind your teeth. Excess caffeine can also make you jittery and unable to sleep. Reducing your use of tobacco, alcohol, and caffeine may reduce your teeth grinding episodes.

3. Missing or Crooked Teeth

Many people with missing or crooked teeth have bruxism. Having teeth that don’t line up properly is known as malocclusion. When your teeth don't meet properly, they can rub and grind against each other at interference points. You may even find them grinding in the daytime. A visit to your dentist can determine if the occlusion is causing your problems.

4. Stress and Anxiety

If you don’t control your levels of stress and anxiety during the day, they can disrupt your sleep at night. Teeth grinding is common among people who are stressed, depressed, grieving, or suffering from panic disorders. Focus on developing better ways of dealing with stress. Try deep breathing exercises, guided meditation, yoga, or massage therapy.

5. Muscular Spasms

Some people suffer from frequent muscle spasms known as “trigger points.” These trigger points refer to muscular areas in the back or shoulder that become tight and painful. Trigger points can cause your jaw and facial muscles to spasm, and this causes the teeth grinding. Using a mouth guard will stop grinding caused by muscle spasms.

What Is the Treatment for Teeth Grinding?

In many cases, the number one treatment for bruxism is treating the underlying cause first. Often - that cause is obstructive sleep apnea or stress management. Certain medications can also trigger bruxism so they may have to be altered.

The best treatment for bruxism is a mouthguard. Other names for a nightguard are occlusal appliance, occlusal bite guard, night guard, bruxism guard, bite plate, and occlusal splint.

How does it work?

A dentist creates a custom-fitted guard after taking an impression of your teeth. The mouth guard fits snugly but comfortably over the top or bottom row of your teeth. You wear it every night while you sleep. Your dentist will periodically check to ensure the night guard is in good condition and still working properly.

An occlusal appliance has many benefits:

  • Reduces jaw pain.

  • Protects the enamel on your teeth.

  • Protects the joints and muscles in your jaw.

  • Eases your headaches.

  • Stops the grinding.

Get Help for Your Teeth Grinding

Break the habit of teeth grinding with help from a dentist. If you’ve noticed jaw pain, loose teeth, or other symptoms of teeth grinding, make an appointment at Malan Family Dentistry.

We can diagnose the cause of your bruxism and create a custom-fitted mouthguard. You’ll experience relief from your symptoms almost immediately. If you have any questions about bruxism or other dental problems, call us.