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Grinding

Managing Bruxism for Optimal Oral Health

Frequent teeth grinding and clenching, also known as bruxism, can have negative impacts on one’s oral health. People who occasionally grind their teeth are unlikely to experience such consequences. However, individuals who habitually grind their teeth – whether due to stress, anxiety, or while asleep, may experience oral health complications. Bruxism can result from bite issues, crooked or missing teeth, or conditions like sleep apnea.

How To Stop Teeth Grinding

If you grind your teeth while you sleep, your dentist may fit you with a mouth guard to prevent damage to your teeth. However, it’s important to understand the root cause of teeth grinding to address it effectively. For example, if stress or anxiety is causing you to grind your teeth, talk to a doctor about ways to manage these emotions. Stress counseling, exercise programs, and physical therapy may be helpful options to explore.

What Causes You to Grind Your Teeth?

To stop teeth grinding caused by sleep disorders like sleep apnea, treating the underlying condition can help. This may involve using a CPAP mask or other forms of sleep therapy.
Additionally, lifestyle changes can help prevent teeth grinding, such as:

  • Reducing alcohol consumption
  • Cutting back on caffeinated foods and drinks
  • Avoiding chewing on non-food items like pencils
  • Placing the tip of your tongue between your teeth during the day to help relax your jaw muscles.

Identify Signs of Teeth Grinding

Many people are unaware of their teeth grinding habit, especially since it often occurs during sleep. However, bruxism can have noticeable effects on your health, such as persistent headaches and soreness in your jaws when you wake up. Additionally, your partner may hear the grinding at night and bring it to your attention. If you suspect you may be grinding your teeth, speak to your dentist in Barrie. They can conduct a physical examination to identify signs of bruxism, such as worn-down teeth and jaw tenderness.

Risks Associated with Teeth Grinding

Grinding your teeth is a harmful habit that you should aim to eliminate. Prolonged teeth grinding can result in severe oral health problems, including tooth fractures or looseness, and in severe cases, tooth loss. The grinding motion can also wear down your teeth, requiring treatments like bridges, crowns, root canals, or implants to restore their form and function. Additionally, teeth grinding can lead to temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD/TMJ), a painful condition affecting the jaw.

 

Teeth Grinding FAQ

Common signs of bruxism include waking up with a sore jaw or a dull headache, increased tooth sensitivity, and flattened or chipped teeth. Many patients are unaware they grind their teeth until a partner notices the sound or a dentist identifies wear on the tooth enamel. 

A custom-fitted night guard acts as a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth. It cushions the force of grinding and clenching, preventing tooth wear and reducing the strain on your jaw joints and muscles. 

Maintaining your guard is easy. Simply brush it gently with a toothbrush and soapy water after each use, or soak it with an approved cleaning tablet. Store it in its ventilated case when not in use and bring it to your regular appointments so we can professionally clean and adjust it for you.

To make your treatment as accessible as possible, we direct bill to the patient’s primary benefits provider. Since night guards are often covered under major dental or restorative benefits, our team can also assist with the coordination of secondary benefits if required. 

If left untreated, chronic grinding can lead to significant enamel erosion, fractured teeth, and Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders. Early intervention with a custom appliance can help protect your smile and prevent the need for more extensive restorative dental work in the future. 

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