Do you often find yourself clenching and grinding your teeth? You may have bruxism. Bruxism is a condition that many people may not realize they have, as it often occurs unconsciously. That is why it is key to visit the dentist and get treatment earlier rather than later. Dr. Karim Naguib and his professional team offer treatment for bruxism at Premier Dental Care. His offices are in Palmdale and Lancaster.
What Causes Teeth Grinding?
Teeth grinding and jaw clenching can be due to many different factors. One of the most common is stress. Usually, you’ll clench and grind your teeth when you’re sleeping, but you may even catch yourself grinding them subconsciously throughout the day. Frustration or anger can also cause you to grind your teeth. If you have a hyperactive or competitive personality, you’re more likely to grind your teeth.
Bruxism can run in the family as well. If you know that your parents grind their teeth, you’re more likely to. Sleep bruxism is especially common in children. If you’re taking certain medications or have certain conditions, your chance of teeth grinding is also higher. It can be a chronic condition or something that only occurs during certain events or situations.
Signs of Bruxism
There are multiple common symptoms that accompany chronic teeth grinding and clenching:
- Worn teeth
- Jaw pain
- Teeth clenching
- Tooth sensitivity
- Chronic headaches
- Facial pain
- Muscle tenderness
- Lockjaw
- Fractured teeth
- Loose teeth
Over time, as tension increases, tooth enamel can weaken and break down. However, there is a solution!
Treating Bruxism
Before treatment, Dr. Naguib will assess your teeth and gums and discuss your budget and goals with you. He will determine which treatment best aligns with your needs after the consultation. For example, he can provide oral appliances like splints and night guards. Oral appliances are the most effective treatments for bruxism today. Oral appliances can provide much-needed relief from the symptoms of teeth grinding.
Splints are custom oral appliances that we can create after a thorough exam. Our dentist will take impressions of your teeth to ensure that they fit perfectly. We craft dental splints from a reliable material that will properly align your jaw while you sleep. The main thing a dental splint does is reduce muscle tension and minimize the grinding impact on your teeth. You can wear a dental splint on either the upper or lower teeth, and it will address various types and severity of bruxism.
Another option is custom night guards. They can stop the damage caused by mild and moderate bruxism. Our custom night guards act as a protective wall between your upper row of teeth and lower row of teeth. They absorb constant grinding and will not easily break down. They offer a more affordable option for mild-to-moderate cases of teeth grinding. However, they may not provide the same level of comfort or effectiveness as dental splints.
Treating the Effects of Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding can have detrimental effects on your oral health. One of the most noticeable consequences of bruxism is tooth wear. Over time, the constant grinding and clenching can cause your teeth to wear down, resulting in a short, flat appearance.
In addition to worn teeth, bruxism can also result in chipped or cracked teeth. Excessive force during grinding can chip enamel or even cause fractures in the tooth structure. These issues can cause sensitivity, tooth pain, and make your teeth look too short.
Fortunately, Premier Dental Care has treatment options available to repair the tooth damage. We may recommend cosmetic dental techniques such as dental bonding or porcelain veneers.
Dental bonding involves applying a tooth-colored resin compound to repair chipped areas, while porcelain veneers are thin shells that cover the front surface of damaged teeth.
Teeth Grinding FAQs
What problems can teeth grinding cause?
Teeth grinding can result in wear on the tooth surfaces. This weakens enamel and tooth structure. Teeth grinding can also cause teeth to crack, break, or chip. Gums may also begin to recede if you do not address teeth-grinding.
Should I go to the dentist for teeth grinding?
Patients should see a dentist to address teeth grinding if they notice it is an ongoing issue. Dentists can identify the source of the issue, recommend ways to protect your teeth from further damage, and repair the damage already caused.
Do night guards really work?
Night guards do not stop patients from grinding their teeth, but they do protect against further damage to the surface of teeth. The main issue with teeth grinding is the damage it causes, and wearing a night guard helps protect against it.
How can I stop grinding my teeth at night?
The best way to stop teeth grinding is to reduce stress and increase exercise and physical activity. We also recommend massaging your jaw muscles before bed to relax muscular tension that may be triggering grinding.
Can you damage your teeth by grinding them?
Bruxism can cause damage to your teeth, especially if you have dental restorations. Teeth grinding can damage your dental restorations, such as crowns, implants, dentures, etc., to the point that they break and need replacement.
How does a dentist know if you grind your teeth?
If left untreated, teeth grinding can lead to dental issues and jaw pain. At our office, we can diagnose the condition by examining your mouth and looking for signs of pain or sensitivity.
Request an Appointment Today
Stop bruxism from damaging your teeth. If you are experiencing issues with teeth grinding, seek professional help from our trusted dentists. An initial consultation can provide valuable insights and peace of mind when dealing with teeth grinding issues.
Call our Lancaster office at (661) 948-6700 or schedule a dental visit to our Lancaster dentist office online. You can call our Palmdale office at (661) 273-6565 or schedule a visit to our Palmdale dentist office online. Dr. Naguib and his professional staff are proud to provide patients with comfortable, comprehensive care.