Do you clench or grind your teeth?
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a serious oral health concern that can lead to extensive damage to the teeth and jaw if left untreated. Routine grinding and clenching may be a sign of a bite disorder, TMJ, or stress. There is no one singular cause of bruxism, but it is often exacerbated when the factors above are involved.
If you are dealing with bruxism, it is important to receive treatment from a highly-trained dentist. Routine grinding causes stress on the teeth, joints, and muscles, which can lead to a wide range of oral health.
Our team at Welinsky Dental Care offers comprehensive treatment plans for patients dealing with various dental health concerns, including teeth grinding. We will recommend the most appropriate treatment option for your dental needs.
How To Treat Teeth Grinding
Treatment depends on the unique dental needs of each patient. We will recommend the most appropriate treatment options based on the results of your dental health examination.
At Welinsky Dental Care we take a comprehensive approach to patient care. We may recommend one or several treatments to address your dental concerns.
- Night Guard: A night guard is similar to a mouthguard and can be used to prevent teeth grinding and clenching during sleep. Custom-designed night guards can offer many benefits compared to over-the-counter night guards.
- Restorative Dentistry: Teeth grinding and clenching can result in extensive damage to the teeth. We can work with you to determine if porcelain veneers, tooth bonding, or dental crowns are the right solution for you.
- Orthodontics: In some cases, orthodontics can be used to realign the teeth and reduce the effects of teeth grinding. We offer Invisalign as a comfortable, safe, and discreet way to straighten crooked teeth without the need for metal wires, brackets, or bands.
What Are The Signs Of Teeth Grinding?
Our team will thoroughly examine the teeth, gums, and surrounding structures to check for signs of teeth grinding. Most symptoms of teeth grinding can only be identified by your dentist, so it is important to visit our office regularly for screenings.
Common Signs of Teeth Grinding
- Earaches
- Facial Pain
- Clicking or Popping Jaw
- Fractured, Broken, or Chipped Teeth
- Worn or Flattened Teeth
- Tooth Sensitivity or Tooth Pain
- Neck or Shoulder Pain
- Recurring Headaches
After your consultation, we can create a treatment plan designed with your needs in mind. The key goal of treatment is to alleviate your symptoms, restore your oral health, and reduce further damage to the teeth, joints, and muscles.
Why Am I Grinding My Teeth?
There are many reasons why you may find yourself grinding your teeth. One of the most common is high levels of stress and anxiety in your life. It typically occurs while you’re sleeping or you may find yourself doing it during the day if you’re overwhelmed by work or something. If your personality is more hyperactive or aggressive, you’re more likely to be grinding your teeth as well.
Bruxism can actually be a hereditary thing. If you have family members that grind their teeth, you’re more likely to grind yours too. Certain disorders increase tooth grinding, as do side effects of certain medications, typically psychiatric medications. If you regularly consume substances like caffeine, alcohol, and recreational drugs, these can put you at a higher risk as well
What Happens With Untreated Teeth Grinding?
Teeth grinding can have serious impacts on your oral health. It’s a leading cause of TMJ disorders. Frequent teeth grinding wears down the disc in the jaw joint, which allows it to move smoothly. Your jaw joint becomes inflamed and painful, and the function can be impacted. You may experience popping or clicking when you try to use your jaw. Opening and closing your mouth can become a chore, and your jaw may get stuck in certain positions.
Grinding wears down your teeth prematurely and also makes them more likely to chip or crack due to pressure. Restorative dentistry treatments can help restore your teeth. The pain from teeth grinding radiates throughout the rest of your head and neck.
You may notice you’re getting headaches more often or have pressure and pain throughout your upper body. The longer teeth grinding is left untreated, the more of these consequences you’ll experience.
Schedule an Appointment
If you think you’ve been grinding your teeth, call us right away. Make sure you get treatment early before you cause severe damage to your teeth. Call us or schedule an appointment online!