What Is The Best Treatment For Bruxism?

Bruxism, also called teeth grinding, is a very common condition that can cause tooth damage and jaw pain. It can also worsen conditions like TMJ disorder.

The most effective treatment for bruxism is wearing custom night guards created by your dentist. Night guards protect your teeth, keeping the upper and lower teeth apart and allowing the jaw muscles to relax fully.

What is Bruxism?

Bruxism is a term for chronic teeth grinding during the day or at night. People may grind their teeth for many reasons, including stress, missing teeth, and a misaligned dental bite.

If you have bruxism, you may notice one or more of the following symptoms or related conditions:

• Sleep disruptions
• Morning headaches and facial pain
• Tooth fractures
• Premature tooth wear
• Loose or painful teeth
• Pain when eating
• TMJ disorder

In some cases, you may need a comprehensive medical sleep study to confirm the presence of bruxism. Speak to your dentist and primary care physician with any sleep-related concerns.

Causes

Many people grind their teeth due to high anxiety and stress levels. A tooth-grinding habit can become entrenched and persist even after the source of stress resolves. Dentists also implicate alcohol and tobacco use, especially before bedtime.

Structural problems with the teeth and jaws can also worsen bruxism. You may involuntarily clench or grind if you have poorly aligned or missing teeth.

Treatment for Bruxism

Bruxism can interfere with your sleep, relaxation, and oral health. If you have symptoms of this disorder, call us as soon as possible to discuss options for relief.

Custom Night Guards

Night guards for bruxism can help to prevent much of the damage caused by this condition. The night guard protects the teeth from rubbing together during sleep, preventing tooth fractures and premature wear and breaking the cycle of bruxism. It may take a few weeks to become accustomed to wearing a night guard.

Muscle Relaxants

Sometimes physicians prescribe muscle relaxants to patients with bruxism, but complementary medicine and night guards are likely more effective.

Stress Management

Many patients with bruxism benefit from managing their stress and anxiety. Yoga, meditation, gentle stretching, talk therapy, and anti-anxiety medications can help. Talk to your dentist about whether stress management could help you overcome bruxism.

Call Leading Edge Specialized Dentistry

If you have bruxism, you know how much this disorder can interfere with your life. The painful symptoms may keep you awake at night and make you irritable during the day. Fortunately, your dentist can help you feel better and protect your teeth from future damage.

Please don't hesitate to call our Melville, NY, office at 631-351-3444 or our Springfield, NJ office at 973-315-7830 if you believe you have bruxism. We can schedule a consultation to check on your teeth and ensure their future health. WIth proper treatment, we can relieve your pain and help you relax.