Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is a condition in which you grind, gnash, or clench your teeth. It often occurs when you’re asleep, and you may not even realize you’re doing it.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Bruxism?

• A dull headache in the morning or when you wake up in the mornings.
• Neck pain, jaw muscle pain, ear pain, and facial pain.
• Grinding your teeth with a hard object like a pencil.
• Tooth sensitivity as a result of excessive force on teeth that are weakened and already worn.
• Worn-looking teeth.
• Bite problems caused by bite collapse.
• Teeth shifting position.
• Loose fillings, broken restorations, and other dental work.
• Extensive wear on the enamel of your teeth.

How is Bruxism Diagnosed?

We typically identify bruxism by reviewing a patient’s symptoms as well as considering their sleep patterns. By examining how their teeth fit together, we can determine whether they are suffering from this condition. If we find that the patient grinds his or her teeth excessively during sleep, we will likely recommend a custom oral appliance to protect their smile while they rest.

Custom night guards are recommended because they offer superior protection compared to over-the-counter varieties. The mouth guard is fabricated to fit comfortably over the upper arch of teeth and features a slight bend that allows it to fit snugly against the roof of the mouth. This prevents the jaw from sliding backward and allows the jaw muscles to relax, which stops them from grinding or clenching.

How is Bruxism Treated?

Teeth grinding can happen during the day while a patient is sleeping. Patients who suffer from this should wear mouthguards at night while they sleep to prevent tooth damage. Some patients may also be candidates for night guards, which are customized mouthpieces that can be worn overnight and may reduce the symptoms of teeth grinding. Another option is a procedure that permanently alters the position of a patient’s jaw to help them avoid this problem. These procedures are typically performed by an oral surgeon or a periodontist.

A patient may suffer from bruxism due to stress or anxiety. If this is the case, then treating the underlying issue can help alleviate the condition. There are also a number of over-the-counter medications that may help. In some cases, a dentist may recommend muscle relaxants to help effect a change. However, these should be used sparingly and under the guidance of a dentist, as overuse can lead to dependency.

Call us at (970) 479-0408 or visit Streamside Dental at 51 Eagle Rd, A1 Avon, Eagle-Vail, Colorado 81657, in case of bruxism. We will guide you further.