Schedule AppointmentTeeth Grinding
Read on for signs you may have bruxism, what causes it, and how you can treat it.
Symptoms
- An aching jaw when you wake up
- Developing tooth ache
- A popping noise in the jaw when opened and closed
- Facial pain
- Teeth appearing shorter than normal as they wear down
- Increased sensitivity to hot and cold foods
Common Causes
- Excess stress
- Teeth out of alignment, missing or broken
- Diseases such as Parkinson’s or Huntington;s
- Side effects of anxiety medications
It is important to find out the cause so bruxism can be treated accordingly. Your dentist can ask questions in order to determine what is causing your teeth grinding.
Treatment
If stress is the cause, it can be treated by increasing relaxation, which can be done by taking up physical exercise or meditation. In particularly bad cases, muscle relaxants may be given.
Another treatment frequently given is a mouth guard that protects further damage, and in rare cases has actually broken the habit of grinding teeth. These may be found over the counter, but may not work as effectively if they don’t fit properly. Your dentist can make a custom guard specifically for you. Botox therapy may also be available for your case.
Contact us if you suspect you have bruxism, and our skilled dental professionals can find the best treatment for you!
Courtesy of Lance Timmerman Cosmetic Dentistry
