If you grind your teeth you are not alone. In fact, you are one of over ten million people in the United Sates who experience bruxism, or the chronic grinding/clenching of the teeth and jaw. Are you wondering, “How do I stop grinding my teeth?” Fortunately, there are treatment options available to help patients who routinely grind their teeth.
Stop Teeth Grinding Quiz
- True or False: A variety of factors can cause bruxism.
- True or False: Headaches may be a symptom.
- True or False: You can take steps to alleviate bruxism.
- True or False: We offer treatment for teeth grinding.
Answer Key
- True. Why do we grind our teeth? In most cases the main factor is an increase in anxiety. Other possible causes include tooth loss, malocclusion, TMJ disorder, or trauma to the face or jaw. Understanding the cause of your bruxism is necessary for successful treatment.
- True. In a lot of cases, people only grind their teeth at night. Unless you have a partner who notices and can tell you in the morning, you may not know you need treatment. Common symptoms to watch for include tooth sensitivity and toothaches, headaches, earaches, sore jaw, or pain in the face, neck, or shoulders.
- True. Changes to your daily life can often help reduce grinding episodes. For example, decreasing your day-to-day stress, avoiding caffeine, and cutting back on hard or chewy foods can help reduce symptoms.
- True. In most cases we can use an oral splint to address the problem. The splint looks like a nightguard and is worn at night, placing a barrier between the upper and lower teeth to prevent further damage. The device can also reposition the jaw to ease pressure on the joints. Orthodontic treatment or the placement of a dental restoration can also alleviate symptoms.
ABOUT YOUR MORENO VALLEY, CA, DENTISTS:
today at (951) 697-6800. We are also happy to welcome patients from Riverside, Temecula, Corona, and surrounding areas.
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