Do you clench and grind your teeth? You may have bruxism.
Bruxism, a condition in which a person grinds or clenches their teeth, affects millions of people. It can damage teeth and gums and even lead to tooth loss. Dr. Ira Goldberg is a talented dentist that treats teeth grinding in Succasunna, NJ. Bruxism is a dental concern that you should take it serious because it has many short and long-term consequences.
At Morris County Dental Associates, our dental team helps patients with tooth pain and jaw pain from chronic teeth clenching and grinding. We work one-on-one with patients to find the source of their dental problems and help craft an effective solution.
The Negative Effects of Teeth Grinding
If you grind your teeth, over time it is possible to suffer from many painful side effects. Short term side effects include irritated nerves and facial pain. Long term side effect include weaken tooth enamel, tooth damage, and worn down teeth with the increased tension from bruxism.
In addition, clenching or grinding teeth increases pressure on teeth. The pressure of chronic bruxism is 40 times stronger than the pressure exerted from normal chewing. During sleep, the pressure of teeth grinding does not go away. Those who have problems with nightly bruxism may have weak gums and teeth. Furthermore, not everyone is aware of the problem because it happens while they are asleep.
What Causes Teeth Grinding?
If you suffer from bruxism, there could be many factors causing it. Often you will have several factors that will trigger the grinding. The most common causes of bruxism include:
- Sleep disorders including sleep apnea
- Lifestyle habits such as drinking alcohol, smoking, excessive gum chewing, too much caffeine, and drugs
- Psychological stressors such as anxiety, work-related stress, financial worries, illness, and relationship issues
- Certain medications that affect mood especially selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Neurological disorders like Parkinson’s and Huntington’s disease
- Abnormal bite from unaligned teeth or jaw
Treating Bruxism at Morris County Dental Associates, LLC
We can address the most moderate cases of bruxism through behavior modification. For example, tongue exercises and learning how to properly align the tongue, teeth, and lips. Patients with mild to moderate bruxism often benefit from oral appliances. Oral appliances act like mouthguards and prevent teeth from clenching or grinding together.
They also take the pressure off of the jaw and allow teeth to naturally connect. After receiving treatment with oral appliances, some patients may need restorative treatment. For example, if you have worn teeth or damaged teeth due to bruxism. Patients can receive other restorative solutions such as dental crowns to protect teeth from further wear and tear.
Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Bruxism
It is possible that you grind your teeth and do not know it. Most signs you would display can be attributed to other conditions. However, if you can identify the causes and symptoms of teeth grinding, you may be able to catch it before severe damage occurs. You may exhibit both physical and oral signs of bruxism, including:
Physical Signs
- Worn teeth
- Jaw pain
- Tooth sensitivity
- Chronic headaches
- Facial muscle pain
- Earaches
- Muscle tenderness
- Shoulder stiffness
- Limited mouth movement
- Sleep disruption
Oral Signs
- Worn down teeth
- Cracked or chipped teeth
- Jaw misalignment
- Gum tissue inflammation or recession
- Loose teeth
- Tooth loss
Bruxism FAQs
If you suffer from teeth grinding, we understand you may be desperate to find relief from your painful symptoms. Morris County Dental Associates has put together a list of frequently asked questions to help patients learn more about this disorder. Contact our office if you have additional questions or if you are ready to schedule an appointment.
How can I relax my jaw bruxism?
You can relax your jaw muscles by opening your mouth and touching your tongue to the front of your teeth. This will prevent you from grinding your teeth since your tongue is a barrier between top and bottom sets.
Are my crooked teeth responsible for my teeth grinding?
Yes, your crooked teeth can contribute to unintentional teeth grinding. The misaligned teeth are causing an improper bite, which leads to uneven stress and pressure on your jaw. When this happens to some people, it causes them to grind their teeth.
What happens if bruxism is left untreated?
If left untreated, bruxism can cause damage to teeth that is not reversible. It may remove tooth enamel and cause tooth fractures and decay.
Is bruxism curable?
There is no cure to bruxism, however treatment can significantly help reduce symptoms and prevent further damage. If you are concerned about your teeth grinding call us today to schedule a consultation!
In what stage of sleep does bruxism occur?
Most patients experience symptoms of bruxism in stages 1 and 2 of sleep. It is uncommon for patients to grind their teeth during REM sleep. Many patients are entirely unaware that they grind their teeth at all.
How can I relax my jaw bruxism?
The best way to relax jaw bruxism is to practice jaw and facial exercises and massages. This will help loosen facial muscles that may be tense, causing bruxism. Changing your diet may also help reduce bruxism symptoms.
Does teeth grinding affect my gums?
Yes, bruxism can harm your gum tissues, not just your teeth and jaw joints. The force exerted on your teeth from the constant pressure will also place strain on the gums. This causes your gums to become sensitive and possible lead to gum recession and inflammation. Gum recession exposes tooth roots, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Is bruxism curable?
There is no official cure for bruxism but there are ways patients can attempt to relieve symptoms and damage. Wearing a night guard and reducing the level of stress in your day to day life are the best ways to protect against and reduce the frequency of grinding.
Can constant stress lead to bruxism?
Stress is actually a major factor that can cause you to grind your teeth. High amounts of stress and anxiety will lead you to unintentionally clench and grind your teeth during the day and while sleeping. Regulating your stress will help you manage your condition. Find the best techniques to accomplish this will reduce the grinding and clenching thus improving your symptoms and overall well-being. Many of our patients find yoga, exercise, or therapy helpful. We encourage you to find what works best for you.
Get Treatment for Teeth Grinding in Succasunna, NJ
Contact our office at 973-298-5893 or schedule an appointment with us on our website. Dr. Goldberg is a dentist in Succasunna, NJ that assists patients with chronic dental problems.