Millions of people suffer from a night time teeth grinding, a condition also known as teeth grinding. This sleep disorder should be taken seriously if you suffer from it. Teeth grinding can lead to many dental problems and TMJ disorders. Teeth grinding is one of the dental concerns that we treat in our Glyndon, Maryland dental office.
Most people who grind their teeth at night are not even aware that they are doing it. In fact, you may be coping with many side effects of it and not even realize why you are suffering. Dr. Leah Romay with Baltimore Dental Co. offers treatment for teeth grinding in Glyndon, MD, for patients who are suffering from the side effects of this condition.
What is Bruxism?
Bruxism is a medical condition that is defined as people who grind their teeth or clench their jaw very hard. It affects children and adults however children tend to grow out of it as they get older. Some people have symptoms while do other so not.
What Causes Teeth Grinding?
It may be difficult to pin point what is causing your teeth grinding. The exact cause seems to be linked to several factors including physical, genetics, and psychological factors. While an excess of life stress, acid reflux, sleep apnea, and other sleep disorders can lead to teeth grinding, it can also be caused by an abnormal bite and missing teeth. TMJ disorders are a common problem we treat that can lead to bruxism.
Signs of Teeth Grinding
It is hard for patients to grind their teeth and not show any signs or symptoms. There are typically some telling signs that it is occurring. Even if you grind your teeth strictly at night, there are some obvious symptoms that you may be overlooking. The common symptoms of teeth grinding include:
- Frequent morning headaches
- Obvious worn down teeth
- Sensitive teeth
- Painful jaw joints or sore and tight jaw muscles
- Ear pain or pain on the side of your face
- Damage to the tissue on the inside of your mouth
In most cases, your dentist will be able to diagnose you with bruxism. Even if you are unaware that you are grinding your teeth, your dentist can see the damage it is doing to your teeth. This is simply another reason why regular dental checkups every six months are so vital to your oral health.
Treatment for Teeth Grinding in Glyndon, MD
Finding the proper treatment for bruxism is vital for preventing long-term damage to your teeth and jaw joints. Several options are available, and Dr. Romay will customize each treatment to meet the patient’s needs. Dr. Romay offers several treatments to help with your teeth grinding. After a consultation, she will help you determine the most effective way to improve your oral health and well-being.
Custom Nightguards
A nightguard is simply a custom nighttime mouthguard that protects your teeth. Your dentist will custom make it to fit perfectly in your mouth from dental impressions. This way it fits perfectly over your teeth to protect your teeth while you sleep. This custom dental treatment will protect your teeth from the constant nighttime grinding and clenching. It will significantly reduce your risk of damaging your teeth.
Bite Alignment Therapy
Teeth grinding and TMJ issues can be cause from malocclusion which is simply an unaligned bite. If teeth can brought together in properly, this can sometimes eliminate teeth grinding and clenching. We offer several treatments to help our patients align their bite. This includes Invisalign®, SureSmile®, porcelain veneers, and dental crowns.
Teeth Grinding FAQs
Teeth grinding is uncomfortable and harmful to your oral health. Many patients are seeking our more information about this condition. Dr. Romay has put together the most common questions and answers about bruxism. Her goal is to help you better understand this disease and explore your options to treatment it so you can have a healthier, more comfortable smile
How do I know if I grind my teeth?
Many grind their teeth at night and do not know they are doing it. Common signs of bruxism include worn-down tooth enamel, tooth sensitivity, jaw pain, frequent morning headaches, damage to the tissue inside the mouth, and tongue indentations. Also, people know they grind their teeth when their partner can hear it at night.
Is teeth grinding common in children?
Teeth grinding is common in children. Children suffer from bruxism because of misaligned teeth, anxiety, stress, or irritation in the mouth. Most children will outgrow the habit by the time they are a teenager. However, it is vital to let your dentist know if your child grinds their teeth so they can keep an eye on any potential damage. Managing teeth grinding in children until it ceases will help prevent likely dental issues.
Can teeth grinding be cured?
Bruxism is not curable as it is often a symptom of a larger issue. However, your dentist can effectively help you manage it. Treatment will focus on reducing symptoms and protecting your teeth. We may recommend a mouthguard or dental treatments to address misalignment. However, you may require further treatment, such as stress management, physical therapy, or even surgery.
Do I need a mouthguard for teeth grinding?
Dr. Romay highly recommends all her patients wear a mouthguard for teeth grinding if they suffer from bruxism. This dental device acts as a protective barrier to prevent the teeth from making contact and causing damage. It will also reduce the strain on your jaw. We can provide you with a custom mouthguard for maximum protection for your teeth and jaw.
Can stress cause teeth grinding?
Yes, stress is a major factor that will lead to bruxism. High levels of stress and anxiety will cause you to unconsciously teeth clench and grind, especially during sleep. You must manage your stress if you suffer from teeth grinding. We recommend relaxation methods such as exercise, yoga, or counseling. These methods can help lower the frequency and intensity of your teeth-grinding episodes.
Does teeth grinding affect my gums?
Yes, bruxism does affect your gum tissues. The force that is placed on your teeth can put strain on the gum tissues. This will cause your gums to become sensitive and recede. Gum recession exposes teeth roots and increases your risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Can teeth grinding lead to TMJ disorders?
Chronic teeth grinding can lead to a TMJ disorder. Constant grinding places strain and pressure on the jaw joints and surrounding muscles, leading to jaw pain, difficulty opening and closing your mouth, and other common symptoms of TMJ.
How can I stop grinding my teeth during sleep?
The only way to stop the grinding is to address the underlying cause. If you grind your teeth due to misalignment, we can provide treatment to align your teeth. Otherwise, you must manage your stress to stop grinding your teeth while you sleep. We can offer a mouthguard to protect your teeth and reduce the strain on your jaw. However, this is not a cure for bruxism. We suggest stress management, therapy, exercise, avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bed, sticking to a sleep schedule, and treating any dental issues to help control your grinding at night.
Can misaligned teeth cause grinding?
Yes, misaligned teeth are a common reason people grind their teeth. When teeth do not align properly, it can cause uneven bite force distribution. This leads people to grind their teeth unconsciously to compensate for the discomfort or to find a more comfortable bite position.
If you suffer from teeth grinding, do not be afraid to seek treatment from your dentist. Dr. Leah Romay offers several treatments to address your teeth grinding in Glyndon, MD. Call our office today at 410.220.4680 to set up an appointment. You can also request an appointment online.