Negative Effects of Teeth Grinding
April 24, 2021 9:23 pm
Grinding your teeth while you’re sleeping can cause many dental issues. Read on to learn about teeth grinding and clenching, also known as bruxism.
Potential Causes of Bruxism
Teeth grinding is often associated with temporomandibular joint disorder, stress, anxiety, sleep disorders, and heavy consumption of alcohol or caffeine.
Warning Signs & Negative Effects of Bruxism
You may grind your teeth at night if you frequently wake up with ear or jaw pain, swelling or tightness in your jaw, headaches, and/or stiff neck and shoulders. The abnormal forces from bruxism can also cause broken and cracked teeth, pain and difficulty when chewing, and tooth sensitivity as your enamel wears down. Additionally, weakened enamel and fractures in your teeth increase your risk of tooth decay and cavities.
Treatment for Teeth Grinding
If it’s likely that stress or anxiety is causing your teeth grinding, incorporate stress-reduction techniques into your daily routine, such as meditation, therapy, daily exercise, and/or yoga.
At Gregory B. Garrett, DDS, we can also create a custom-fitted mouthguard that is worn over your teeth at night. This nightguard will act as a physical barrier to cushion and protect your teeth from damage. This oral appliance will be molded to your smile so it provides optimal protection and comfort as you sleep.
Your Family Dentist in Wilmington, NC
Our office provides family-friendly, comprehensive dental services for patients of all ages in Wilmington, NC. In addition to routine checkups, cleanings, fluoride treatments, and oral cancer screenings, some of our treatments include: teeth whitening, veneers, clear aligner therapy, CEREC® same-day crowns, root canal therapy, tooth extractions and replacement, oral surgery, sleep apnea appliances, dental sealants, and more!
To make our services affordable and accessible, we offer a 5% senior discount, 5% military discount, and a variety of payment options: our in-house dental membership plan, cash, AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa, FSAs and HSAs, and dental insurance.
For more information about our financial options or treatment for bruxism, please contact Gregory B. Garrett, DDS, today!
