Bruxism is a condition that results in clenching or grinding teeth, often during sleep. Although you might not know that you’re doing it, this condition can be extremely harmful to your oral health. Teeth grinding effects include tooth erosion, teeth loosening or falling out from the pressure, and the degradation of bone and gum tissue. It can even lead to TMJ disorders over time.

It’s important to know the signs and symptoms of bruxism so you know if you need to seek treatment. Here are some important things to know about teeth grinding.

Teeth Grinding Symptoms

As teeth grinding tends to be an unconscious activity, it can be hard to diagnose. Still, there are a few noticeable signs that you might have bruxism. If you sleep near a partner or spouse, they may be able to tell you if you grind your teeth in the night. You may also experience an aching face or jaw, or your dentist may notice that your chewing surfaces have been worn down during a checkup.

Treatment for Teeth Grinding

If you’re wondering how to stop grinding teeth, there are a few different treatment options available. One of the simplest fixes for bruxism is to wear a special mouthpiece at night that puts a barrier between your top and bottom teeth, preventing them from rubbing together. Your dentist will take an impression of your mouth so that this piece can be made to fit comfortably.

Other treatments for bruxism include trying to relax before sleeping, as stress is one of the major causes of teeth grinding. You can also opt for a procedure to even out your bite so that your teeth fit more comfortable together.

If you have any questions about teeth grinding or suspect you may grind your teeth, it’s a good idea to make an appointment with your dentist. Our staff at Town Square Dental would be happy to assist you. Give our office a call to book an appointment today!

At Town Square Dental in Pasadena, we believe prevention is the best dental treatment our patients can receive. For this reason, we offer a variety of preventative dental treatments and try our best to educate patients about at home dental care. Many patients we see with poor oral health have neglected their oral health by ignoring preventive dental care. They’ve skipped years of dental visits, forgotten to brush and floss; some had never even been to a dentist! If you want to ensure your mouth is the healthiest it can be, take a look at these preventative dental care tips:

At Home Preventative Dental Care

• Brush teeth at least twice a day.
• Floss teeth at least once a day.
• Replace your toothbrush every three months (earlier if it is worn).
• Avoid sugary foods/beverages.
• If you participate in sports, ask about our custom mouthguards.
• Schedule routine dental appointments at Town Square Dental.

Although at home dental care can help in the prevention of oral conditions, making sure to see your dentist regularly is very important. We can examine your mouth and check for any signs of decay, infection or disease and devise a treatment plan to get your oral health in check.

Preventative Dental Care at Town Square Dental

• Dental Examinations
• Dental Cleanings
• Oral Cancer Screenings
• Sealants
• Fluoride Treatments

Neglecting your oral health can have serious consequences, from cavities and tooth decay to root canals and missing teeth. As dental health issues become more serious, the cost of treatment and invasiveness increases. Many patients have to have teeth extracted and opt for bridges, dentures or even dental implants. Without implants to replace missing teeth, your teeth can begin to misalign, and you may even experience bone loss, altering your facial appearance.