Treatment for Grinding Teeth
Do you grind your teeth? Bruxism is the term used to describe the grinding and clenching of teeth during sleep. As with most problems that occur during sleep, bruxism often goes undetected until a spouse or partner hears the grinding at night or damage is detected by your dentist. Bruxism can be caused by several factors including stress, a reaction to pain, certain sleep disorders, or teeth that are misaligned. The problem is often increased with the consumption of caffeine and alcohol. In severe cases grinding and clenching can cause dental problems including chipping, hot and cold sensitivity, damage to dental work and more serious scenarios.
Signs of bruxism include:
- Sensitive teeth,
- Jaw muscle pain in the morning,
- Tooth tips that are flattened or dull,
- The sound of grinding during sleep.
Bruxism can be treated or reduced through relaxation techniques, change in dietary habits and in more severe cases limited by a specially fitted mouth guard. If you grind or clench your teeth speak to your dentist about reducing or eliminating the problem.
- Wearing away your tooth structure,
- Especially the biting or chewing surface,
- Breakdown of the ligaments that support your teeth,
- Loss of jaw bone,
- Soreness in jaw joints or facial muscles,
- Tension headaches.
If you suspect you are grinding your teeth, we can help to verify this.
Solution
Try to determine the source of your stress. Be conscious of grinding your teeth during the day. And wear a night guard when you sleep. We make custom fitted night guards or bruxism appliances to protect your teeth from the wearing forces of grinding. Call Dr. Nitin Kapoor today and find out about this preventive solution that can preserve your teeth. We welcome patients from Grimsby and surrounding areas!
