Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is a condition that ruins teeth and causes great pain in the jaw. It typically occurs while the patient is sleeping. They may not even know they are doing it until they add up the symptoms they are experiencing. People who grind their teeth should take the condition seriously because of the many problems it can lead to. Dr. Keith Boenning and Dr. Nate Dancykier are general dentists in Towson, Maryland, that offer night guards for patients that suffer from bruxism. They can diagnose your condition during a routine dental exam.
What Are The Causes Of Teeth Grinding?
The cause of bruxism is different for everyone. Your dentist will ask you many questions to help you pinpoint it. It could be something simple like too much caffeine, alcohol, or tobacco. However, other medical conditions, such as sleep apnea and acid reflux, can cause people to grind their teeth. Also, there is a strong correlation between teeth grinding and TMJ disorders.
Symptoms of Teeth Grinding
- Worn teeth
- Broken or chipped teeth
- Persistent sensitive teeth
- Pain or tightness in the jaw joints or jaw muscles
- Chronic headaches
- Earache and/or facial pain
- Damaged tissue on the inside of your cheek
Treating your Teething Grinding in Towson, MD
Without proper treatment, you will cause serious damage to your teeth and gums eventually. On the most extreme end, this damage can extend to the underlying bone structure. Seeking treatment is very important. Your dentist’s goal is to prevent the grinding from damaging your teeth and to fix any damage that has occurred.
If your teeth grinding is from too much stress or caffeine, it is important that you make necessary changes in your lifestyle to prevent it. Finding ways to relax, such as doing yoga, maybe the key to helping you find relief.
Oral Appliance Therapy
Our dentists use oral appliance therapy to protect teeth from constant grinding. A dental night guard is a custom mouthpiece that you will wear at night to protect your teeth. We have them custom-made from impressions of your teeth so they will fit perfectly in your mouth while you sleep. A night guard will protect your teeth from damage and reduce face and jaw pain.
Repair the Damage
It is also important to repair any damage from constant teeth grinding. Damaged teeth, such as chips, cracks, worn down enamel, and worn-down teeth, can lead to further dental problems. A common side effect of damaged teeth is tooth sensitivity.
Also, it may allow bacteria to enter the tooth and cause a serious infection. Our dental office offers many restorative dental treatments to return form and function to your smile.
Jaw Stretches and Exercises
Your dentist may also suggest doing various jaw stretches and exercises. Constant teeth grinding may lead to pain in the jaw joints. This pain can be severe and may create tension in your head. Some patients may even experience chronic headaches.
Doing stretches and exercises will normalize the muscles and joints on the sides of your face. Some patients even find the activities relaxing, which helps them relax and prevents them from grinding their teeth.
Teeth grinding can be a serious problem. If you suffer from the effects of grinding your teeth, we invite you to schedule an appointment with Dr. Keith Boenning and Dr. Nate Dancykier. They can provide you with various treatment options for teeth grinding in Towson, MD.