Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, occurs when the biting surfaces of the teeth repeatedly come together. Minor cases of tooth grinding may not result in tooth damage; However, in advanced cases, tooth grinding can lead to tooth damage and tooth loss. Understanding the underlying cause of tooth grinding is key to finding the appropriate treatment.
Our team at McLeansville Family & Cosmetic Dentistry offers comprehensive solutions for tooth grinding. To explore your options, visit our McLeansville, NC dentist office.
How Do I Know If I Grind My Teeth?
During routine visits, our team checks for the signs of teeth grinding and jaw clenching which may include one or more of the following:
- Worn teeth: over time, tooth grinding can cause worn, flat, or uneven teeth.
- Chipped, cracked teeth: the uneven distribution of pressure can increase the likelihood of cracked, fractured, and chipped teeth.
- Changes in the bite: if tooth grinding is left untreated it can cause the teeth to shift and may impact the function and comfort of your bite.
- Clicking or popping in the jaw: due to muscle tension, he jaw may click and pop when opening or closing the mouth
Common Symptoms of Teeth Grinding
Other signs of teeth grinding include jaw pain (especially in the morning), a feeling of “tired jaws”, ringing in the ears, neck or shoulder pain and even recurring headaches. Discuss any symptoms or concerns you have during a routine visit or consultation with your Great Smile dentist. Proper treatment for teeth grinding can restore your oral health, the function of your bite and improve your overall comfort
Tooth grinding often occurs during sleep so it is difficult for patients to determine if they grind their teeth. In many cases, patients are told they grind their teeth by a loved one. In other cases, patients visit heir dentistry, who is specially trained to identify the common signs of teeth grinding.
Common Signs of Teeth Grinding:
- Ear pain or regular earaches
- Facial pain
- Cracked and chipped teeth
- Worn or flat teeth
- Jaw pain
- Tooth sensitivity
- Recurring headaches
During your visit, Dr. Woodruff will closely examine your teeth and jaw for any signs of tooth grinding. With the results from your exam, our team can build a comprehensive treatment plan to address current symptoms and prevent future issues.
What Causes Tooth Grinding?
tooth grinding can be caused by a number of factors. However, in order to treat tooth griding effectively, it is important to diagnose the source of the problem. Some of the most common reasons for tooth grinding include the following:
- Occlusion
- Stress & Anxiety
- Sleep apnea
- Misaligned teeth
How Is Tooth Grinding Treated?
If you are wondering how you can stop grinding your teeth, our team at McLeansville Family & Cosmetic Dentistry offers a full target of treatment options of teeth grinding. The type of treatment you receive will depend on the underlying cause of your tooth grinding and the overall condition of your tooth. After a complete dental exam, Dr. Woodruff may recommend one or more of the following solutions.
- Custom mouthguards
- Dental Crowns
- Dental bonding
- Orthodontics
- Dental splint therapy
Schedule An Appointment
To explore your treatment options for tooth grinding, visit McLeansville Family & Cosmetic Dentistry. If you would like to schedule an appointment, call 336.506.6545 or request an appointment online.