If you suffer from frequent headaches, worn teeth, or broken teeth there could be several possible causes, but one of the most common culprits is teeth grinding, clinically called “bruxism.” Many people are unaware that they grind their teeth as it usually only happens while they are sleeping, but it can also happen throughout the day, especially when you are stressed or distracted.
Dentists like Medford, NJ dentist Dr. Poorva Parnaik can easily identify habitual teeth grinding and suggest ways to treat it and its side effects.
Why Do I Grind My Teeth?
Tooth grinding and jaw clenching are often caused by an issue with the stability of your bite. The “bite” refers to the alignment of your teeth when you close your mouth. People who are prone to grinding or clenching their teeth often have uneven bites. These conditions are commonly known as an underbite or an overbite.
As previously stated, teeth grinding commonly stems from stress, whether from your own personal or environmental issues or stress inside the mouth and jaw from a dental problem. When teeth, jaw, and the system of muscles in the mouth and neck aren’t working properly, tension is created. This tension can cause headaches, facial pain, and teeth grinding.
Signs of Teeth Grinding
Dentists can usually easily identify signs of teeth grinding, such as:
- Worn or dull teeth, especially chips or flat spots
- Sensitive teeth
- Jaw pain
- Frequent headaches
- Cuts or sores on the inside cheek
How to Stop Teeth Grinding
The most commonly dispensed advice suggests reducing your stress levels, which may help you stop grinding your teeth, but if that stress is related to a bit issues, it is out of your control. At this point, you’ll need other ways to help stop grinding your teeth. Many dentists often recommend stress reduction and occlusal appliances in combination to treat bruxism.
There are a few different types of occlusal appliances available. You may already be familiar with night guards, which are a type of occlusal appliance. These appliances are custom-fitted to each patient’s mouth and designed to fit over the top or bottom teeth to prevent nighttime teeth grinding.
For more severe cases, your dentist may prescribe a mandibular advancement device, which is designed to move the jaw forward when the dentist suspects a sleep disorder is causing the problem. These devices are often referred to as “snore guards,” because they are intended to help align the jaw during sleep to help correct sleep apnea or snoring.
Bruxism Treatment in Medford, NJ
Teeth grinding can damage your teeth and your health, so it’s important to seek treatment as soon as you can if you learn you are grinding your teeth. Dr. Parnaik’s team at Dental Creations in Medford, NJ is a full-service dental office that can help you put a stop to bruxism, helping you keep your teeth and mouth healthy. Contact us online or call 609.365.0673 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Parnaik today.