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. We provide teeth grinding treatment in Towson, MD.
If you have bruxism, you need 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 each patient’s unique dental needs. Based on the results of your dental health examination, we will recommend the most appropriate treatment options.
At Welinsky Dental Care, we take a comprehensive approach to patient care. We may recommend one or several treatments to address teeth grinding in Towson, MD:
Nightguard
A nightguard is a custom-made device similar to a mouthguard, designed to be worn while you sleep. It helps prevent teeth grinding and clenching, which can cause pain and damage to your teeth. A custom-designed night guard offers many benefits compared to over-the-counter options, as it is made specifically to fit your teeth for maximum comfort and effectiveness.
Restorative Dentistry
Teeth grinding and clenching can lead to serious wear and tear on your teeth, causing damage such as cracks, chips, or enamel loss. In such cases, restorative treatments like porcelain veneers, tooth bonding, or dental crowns may be needed to repair and protect your teeth. We’ll work closely with you to determine the best treatment to restore your smile and prevent further damage.
Orthodontics
In some cases, orthodontic treatments may help reduce the effects of teeth grinding by realigning the teeth. If your teeth are misaligned or crooked, we may recommend Invisalign. Invisalign is a clear, comfortable, and discreet alternative to traditional metal braces. It can help straighten your teeth without the need for metal wires, brackets, or bands, giving you a more confident smile while addressing any grinding issues.
What Are The Signs Of Teeth Grinding?
At regular visisits team will thoroughly examine the teeth, gums, and surrounding structures to check for signs of teeth grinding. Most symptoms of teeth grinding in Towson, MD can only be identified by your dentist. 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?
You may grind your teeth for many reasons. 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.
How Lifestyle Changes Help If You Grind Your Teeth
If you grind your teeth, lifestyle changes can help reduce or stop the grinding. Here are some things you can try:
- Manage Stress: Since stress is one of the main causes of teeth grinding, finding ways to relax can help. To reduce stress during the day, you can try deep breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga. You can also find activities you enjoy, like reading or listening to music, to help you unwind.
- Cut Back on Caffeine and Alcohol: Caffeine and alcohol can make teeth grinding worse. Try reducing your intake to help reduce the chances of grinding at night. We recommend that you avoid these substances before bed.
- Create a Relaxing Bedtime Routine: Going to bed feeling relaxed can help prevent teeth grinding during sleep. Consider activities like taking a warm bath or reading a book. Relaxing will help prepare your body for sleep.
- Sleep on Your Side: If you tend to grind your teeth while lying on your back, try sleeping on your side. This can help reduce pressure on your jaw. It may also lower the chances of grinding.
- Avoid Chewing Non-Food Items: Don’t chew on pens, pencils, or ice. These bad habits can increase the risk of grinding your teeth. They also put pressure on your jaw and can lead to teeth damage over time.
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 at 410-449-7656 or schedule an appointment online for teeth grinding treatment in Towson, MD.