Teeth Grinding
Do you grind your teeth?
How to treat and prevent bruxism
Have your ever awakened your self in the middle of the night with a loud clenching or grinding sound? If so, you may want to speak with your dental professional at Steiner Dental about a condition called Bruxism.
Bruxism is the habit of grinding or clenching the teeth. Clenching means you are holding your teeth together tightly and grinding occurs when you slide your teeth back and forth repeatedly. There are several symptoms that are characteristic of people who suffer from bruxism, such as headaches, sore jaw, worn or fractured tooth enamel, or insomnia.
Bruxism can develop at any age in life, and is often associated with times of stress, sleep disorders, abnormal bite or even missing teeth. It is important to have regular dental checkups to detect damage in the early stages.
Depending on the cause of your bruxism, we may recommend different treatment options. If stress is the cause, we might suggest finding a way to relax, such as reading a book or listening to quiet music. You may also be asked to apply a warm washcloth to the side of your face to help the muscles relax. One possible treatment for bruxism could be the neuromuscular dentistry techniques, taught at the Las Vegas Institute (LVI). Ask Dr. Hawthorne and Dr. Devine if this might be a treatment option for you
The habits of grinding your teeth often occur at night when you are sleeping. Because most patients are unaware that they might be bruxing, we often recommend a custom-made Night-guard for them to wear to protect teeth from these destructive habits.
The pain from grinding and clenching your teeth can be relieved with good communication between you and your dentist. We would love to visit with you regarding your habits of bruxism.