Teeth grinding, a condition known as bruxism, affects millions of people. Yet, because most teeth grinding happens at night while asleep, many people may not know they suffer from this condition. Sometimes, teeth grinding is loud enough to hear, especially by your sleeping partner. Other signs may include a dull headache or sore jaw when you wake. If left untreated, teeth grinding can cause many complex dental problems and even lead to tooth loss. Dr. Conover can often diagnose teeth grinding in Philadelphia, PA, by simply inspecting the teeth and surrounding tissues.
What Causes Teeth Grinding?
- Stress or anxiety
- Sleep disorders
- Malocclusion (improper alignment of the teeth)
- Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMD)
- Parkinson’s or Huntington’s Disease
Teeth Grinding Before and After Photos
When left untreated, extensive teeth grinding can lead to significant tooth wear or worn-down teeth. Dr. Conover has worked with patients with chronic bruxism. After any cosmetic or restorative treatment to address damage, Dr. Conover creates a custom night guard to help protect new dental restorations from future wear and grinding.
Treatment for Teeth Grinding in Philadelphia, PA
There are a few at-home treatments for teeth grinding. These include avoiding caffeine and alcohol, chewing on anything that is not food, noticing when you grind during the day and stopping, and relaxing your jaw at night by holding a warm washcloth to it.
If you are a serious teeth grinder, these remedies might not be enough. Stress is most likely the number one factor in your nightly grinding. In addition to your dental treatments, you should practice relaxation methods of your choice, such as yoga or daily exercise. You must take the necessary steps to reduce stress and anxiety in your life and reduce the occurrence of teeth grinding.
Nightguards
If you grind or clench your teeth while you sleep, Dr. Conover can help by fitting you with a custom nightguard. This is a special mouthpiece designed to fit comfortably over your teeth, preventing them from grinding against each other. Wearing a nightguard can help keep your teeth properly aligned and protect them from damage.
Grinding your teeth can cause wear and tear, leading to chipped or cracked teeth, gum recession, and even damage to dental restorations like crowns or fillings. A nightguard acts as a protective barrier, reducing pressure on your teeth and jaw.
Getting a custom nightguard is a simple and quick process. Dr. Conover will take impressions of your teeth to create a nightguard that fits perfectly and stays in place while you sleep. This small but effective device can help prevent long-term dental problems and keep your smile healthy.
Bite Correction Procedures
Sometimes, you may need a bite correction procedure to stop teeth grinding. Dr. Conover may reshape the teeth by filing them down or applying porcelain veneers or dental crowns to align them properly. Other corrective measures may include orthodontic treatment such as Invisalign.
Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry to Repair Damage
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can cause serious damage to your teeth over time. If left untreated, grinding every night can wear down the enamel, making teeth shorter, weaker, or more sensitive. It can also lead to chipped or broken teeth, putting your smile at risk. In some cases, excessive grinding can even harm the gums and the bone that supports your teeth.
If your teeth have been damaged by grinding, cosmetic and restorative dentistry can help repair them and restore both function and appearance. Treatments may include:
- Dental bonding to fix small chips and cracks
- Dental crowns to protect and strengthen worn-down teeth
- Veneers to improve the look of worn or uneven teeth
- Gum treatments if grinding has caused gum recession
Repairing teeth damaged by grinding is essential for oral health. Fixing worn or broken teeth not only improves your smile but also helps you chew and speak comfortably.
Teeth Grinding FAQs
Read answers to common questions about teeth grinding in Philadelphia, PA:
What to do to reduce grinding teeth?
The best way to reduce teeth grinding is to reduce stress, which is one of the leading causes. Patients may also practice better sleeping habits and get their bodies on a regular sleep schedule. We also recommend limiting caffeine intake to reduce grinding.
How can I stop grinding my teeth naturally?
The best way to stop grinding your teeth naturally is to stretch your jaw and facial muscles. You may also apply a warm compress to your jaw to relax muscular tension. Eating foods with lots of magnesium and drinking herbal teas may also help.
What vitamins help prevent teeth grinding?
Certain vitamins, especially B-complex vitamins, may help reduce teeth grinding. These vitamins support the nervous system and help manage stress, which is a common cause of grinding.
One of the most important B vitamins for preventing teeth grinding is vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid). Studies have shown that vitamin B5 can help the body respond to stress more effectively, which may lower the chances of clenching or grinding your teeth, especially at night.
Other B vitamins, such as B12 and B6, also play a role in nerve function and muscle control. A lack of these vitamins can lead to muscle tension, which may contribute to teeth grinding.
How damaging is teeth grinding?
Bruxism can cause tooth enamel to wear away, increasing dental sensitivity. Stress and strain from grinding can cause teeth to break down, chip, or loosen. Damage to an existing filling, crown, or bridgework is a risk when you grind your teeth.
Can teeth grinding cause gum disease?
If you already have gingivitis or gum disease, teeth grinding your teeth can speed up the damage. It can cause the gums to become more inflamed and make it harder for them to heal. In some cases, grinding can even loosen teeth by weakening their support.
Treat TMJ and Teeth Grinding
Dr. Conover treats teeth grinding in Philadelphia, PA with nightguards and bite correction. He can also use dental crowns, veneers, or cosmetic bonding to repair teeth. Dr. Conover is welcoming new and out-of-town patients. Call us at (215) 395-6076 or schedule a consultation online.
