Teeth grinding or bruxism can have detrimental effects on your teeth, gums, and jaw. This additional strain can cause various symptoms including headaches, jaw pain, or tooth damage. If you suspect you’ve been grinding your teeth, you should mention this at your next dental appointment. Dr. Bowersox evaluates all of his patients for signs of teeth grinding during their standard dental exams. We offer our bruxism treatment in Westminster, MD, with customized night guards. You will wear customized night guards over your teeth while you sleep to prevent tooth damage from unconscious tooth grinding.
What Symptoms Accompany Bruxism?
Bruxism, or tooth grinding, can cause a variety of symptoms. Some common signs to look out for include:
- Tooth Pain: Grinding your teeth can wear them down, leading to discomfort or pain in the teeth, especially when chewing.
- Jaw Pain or Tightness: You may feel pain or tightness in your jaw muscles, especially when you wake up in the morning.
- Headaches: Bruxism can cause tension headaches, particularly around the temples or in the forehead area.
- Tooth Sensitivity: Grinding can wear down the enamel, which protects your teeth, making your teeth more sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks.
- Ear Pain: Although not directly related to the ears, the muscles around the jaw and face can cause pain that might feel like earaches.
- Trouble Sleeping: Grinding your teeth at night can sometimes lead to sleep disruptions, both for you and for anyone who might hear you grind your teeth.
- Worn Teeth: If you look at your teeth closely, you may notice they are flattened, chipped, or appear worn down due to grinding.
- Ringing in the Ears: Some people with bruxism report a ringing sound in their ears, known as tinnitus, which may be related to jaw tension.
Bruxism Treatment in Westminster, MD
When you get a nightguard for teeth grinding, your dentist will first examine your teeth and take impressions to make a custom-fit guard. A nightguard is a small, durable piece of plastic that fits over your upper or lower teeth to protect them from grinding while you sleep.
Once your custom nightguard is ready, your dentist will make sure it fits comfortably and explain how to use it. Wearing the nightguard at night prevents your teeth from rubbing together, which helps reduce damage, pain, and discomfort caused by grinding. It can also help relieve jaw pain and prevent future dental problems like worn-down teeth or cracked fillings. With regular use, a nightguard can protect your teeth and improve your overall oral health.
Bruxism FAQs
Here are some common questions we get regarding our bruxism treatment options in Westminster, MD:
Why do I grind my teeth?
The cause of teeth grinding varies from person to person. Teeth grinding is a common stress response. Many of us hold our stress in our facial muscles and jaw. Throughout the day, you may notice yourself stiffening your jaw as you work on a demanding task.
If you go to sleep stressed, you may have a similar response and grind your teeth in your sleep. Some people may grind their teeth together because they are missing a tooth or have a misaligned bite. Dr. Bowersox can evaluate you at your next dental appointment to determine the underlying cause of your teeth grinding.
Is a night guard comfortable?
Yes, we create our customized night guards with your comfort in mind. We know the importance of a good night’s rest. Our night guards are made from a soft material that fits snuggly over your tooth surface. While it may take some getting used to as you adapt to using it every night, most of our patients find it an ideal and cost-effective solution to preventing future tooth damage.
What about my jaw pain?
A lot of our patients who experience teeth grinding also experience jaw pain. The additional strain that teeth grinding applies to your teeth, gums, and jaw can develop into a TMJ disorder, or an issue with the temporomandibular joint of your jaw. If you experience jaw pain, Dr. Bowersox can provide TMJ treatment solutions if necessary.
How long does it take to cure bruxism?
How long it takes to treat bruxism (tooth grinding) can vary depending on how severe the condition is. For mild cases, treatment might show improvement in just a few weeks, while for more severe cases, it could take 1 to 5 months for symptoms to improve.
If the bruxism is mild, using a mouthguard at night or making some lifestyle changes, like reducing stress, can help stop the grinding. For more severe cases, additional treatments, such as physical therapy, muscle relaxants, or dental work, may be needed. Severe bruxism can sometimes cause problems when you speak or chew, which can make it take longer to treat.
Can a dentist near me cure bruxism?
While there is no complete “cure” for bruxism, we offer effective treatments to manage the condition and reduce the frequency of tooth grinding. With the right treatment plan, you can protect your teeth from damage. You can also find relief from the discomfort caused by bruxism.
How effective are over-the-counter mouthguards compared to custom-made ones for treating bruxism?
Over-the-counter mouthguards are sold in stores or online, and are typically cheaper than custom-made ones. After you buy them, they’re ready to use. However, OTC mouthguards are a one-size-fits-all option. They don’t always fit perfectly.
Because of this, they can be uncomfortable or may shift during the night. While they can still offer some protection for your teeth, but they aren’t as effective as custom-made mouthguards for severe cases of bruxism.
Custom-made mouthguards are created by a dentist specifically for your mouth. During the process, our dentist will take impressions of your teeth to design a mouthguard that fits your teeth perfectly. This gives you a much more comfortable, secure fit.
Custom-made guards are also more effective because they are designed to handle the unique pressures of your bruxism. They help protect your teeth better and can be made to address specific needs. They adjust your jaw placement to reduce jaw pain, headaches, and teeth grinding.
Treat Your Dental Concerns
Call Dr. Bowersox for bruxism treatment in Westminster, MD, at 410-642-5634. You can also schedule an appointment online. If you have questions about your symptoms, please let us know. We will find the best treatment to meet your needs.