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 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 & 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
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.
Night Guards
Dr. Conover can fit a plastic guard to wear over your teeth while you sleep to align them and prevent damage to your teeth and dental restorations. Night guards are simple, quick ways to minimize the effects of grinding. After correcting your worn-down teeth, it is very important to wear your night guard every night. In doing this, you are protecting your new dental restorations to ensure longevity.
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 can cause serious damage to teeth and should be addressed as soon as possible. Doing this every night can leave teeth worn, chipped, or broken and even affect the health of the gums. Repairing your teeth is imperative to oral health and can give you a healthy, functional smile.
Teeth Grinding FAQs
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?
B complex vitamins have been shown to help prevent teeth grinding. Studies have shown that vitamin B5 has had the greatest success in this regard.
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?
Periodontal disease can be made worse by bruxism, which increases gum susceptibility. The force of clenching and grinding can damage the teeth’s supporting tissues.
Dr. Conover can 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.
