Do you clench or grind your teeth? You may have what is known as bruxism. Many adults grind or clench their teeth unknowingly during sleep or when feeling stress. It is even common for athletes during intense play. For most, it is a natural reaction to stress, but can also be a result of a more serious dental condition.
Bruxism, or teeth grinding, occurs when the upper and lower jaw grind together. Patients often grind or clench their teeth in stressful situations or unconsciously during sleep. Teeth grinding is also a common dental concern and symptom of an underlying bite disorder or TMJ. A thorough evaluation with Dr. Raymond Ribitch and appropriate treatment will alleviate discomfort and stabilize your dental health, preventing possible tooth damage.
Dr. Ribitch has extensive training in the diagnosis and treatment of teeth grinding, also known as bruxism. Addressing bruxism is important to avoid eventual damage to the teeth and gums and even tooth loss. Through thorough examination for the signs of teeth grinding and discussing possible symptoms you may be experiencing, Dr. Ribitch can identify the root cause of bruxism. This enables him to recommend a plan of treatment that can provide comfortable, lasting results and restore oral health.
Signs of Bruxism
There are several common signs of teeth grinding to be aware of and discuss during a dental visit:
- Chronic headaches
- Chronic facial pain
- Muscle tenderness
- Teeth clenching
- Jaw pain and tenderness
- Locked jaw
- Worn chipped, or flat looking teeth
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Earaches and neck pain
If you have noticed any of these symptoms, call Dr. Raymond Ribitch. We are dedicated to solving dental problems at the source using the latest in dental technology.
Treating Bruxism
Dr. Ribitch will conduct a thorough assessment of your bite and will examine your teeth and gums to determine if you have bruxism. He uses oral appliances to stop tooth clenching and grinding at the source. Oral appliances are custom-fit to patients to ensure that they are a comfortable fit.
There are a variety of ways to treat teeth grinding, depending on the status of dental health and the cause. The most common is a custom nightguard to be worn at night or during stressful situations. A night guard will prevent teeth grinding and jaw clenching and reduce or eliminate the associated symptoms.
This treatment prevents the upper and lower jaw from grinding together and can be worn during sleep. In addition to using oral appliances, Dr. Ribitch can offer restorative and cosmetic options for teeth that are worn down from chronic severe bruxism. Dr. Ribitch may recommend restorative procedures such as dental crowns, tooth bonding, or orthodontics to realign your bite if necessary. We will also recommend options to restore your smile from the effects of bruxism.
Teeth Grinding FAQs
Teeth grinding can have permanent impacts on your smile. Read the answers to these commonly asked questions to learn more.
What causes me to grind my teeth?
Teeth grinding can be caused by many situations. One of the most common is stress, which can often cause you to clench and grind your teeth. Other reasons include hormonal changes and the side effects of certain medications. Frequently consuming caffeine can also contribute.
What damage can teeth grinding cause?
For starters, grinding can wear down your teeth extremely fast, leading to pain when protective enamel is worn away. You’re also more likely to suffer from chipped or broken teeth. You may also suffer from headaches or tension and pain throughout your jaw and face. The function of your jaw may be compromised, and you may start to hear it click and pop.
How can I tell if I’m grinding my teeth?
If you sleep in the same room as someone, there’s a good chance they’ve heard you grinding your teeth at night. You can also notice it yourself if you frequently wake up with headaches or pain in the jaw. Prolonged grinding can also show up in the shape of your teeth. One side may be worn down more than the other, or you’ll notice that your teeth are flat on top.
Which teeth are the most likely to have impacts from grinding?
Your front two teeth on the top and bottom of your smile will likely show signs of teeth grinding. You may also notice that one side of your mouth feels different. If you grind your teeth on one side, you’re likely to experience uneven molars and feel more sore on that side of the jaw.
Can you reverse the impacts of teeth grinding?
No, the damage done by teeth grinding can’t be reversed. However, we can use restorative dentistry to help the affected teeth. Things like dental crowns can go over the damaged teeth, and we can get you a nightguard to help prevent issues with your teeth in the future.
Can you treat teeth grinding permanently?
No, there is no permanent treatment. However, we can provide options that mitigate it. A nightguard prevents the teeth from grinding together in your sleep. If an uneven bite contributes to this, orthodontic solutions can assist. We can also teach you exercises and other things to help relax the jaw and assist with stress.
Get Treatment Today
Stop bruxism at the source and get the treatment that protects teeth from further wear and tear. We emphasize the importance of maintaining excellent oral health, including keeping your natural teeth for as long as possible. Treating bruxism will relieve symptoms that can affect daily life and restore your dental health. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Raymond Ribitch, call 989-772-1344. Dr. Ribitch and his team are passionate about providing comfortable and comprehensive care to patients of all ages.