Reduce Your Pain with Bruxism Treatments

Have you heard of bruxism treatments? Most people have not heard of bruxism in general, but it can directly impact your health and comfort. Bruxism is a condition where people grind their teeth at night or clench them while sleeping. It is anything but minor and can lead to serious discomfort over time.

Symptoms of bruxism

There are a variety of symptoms that accompany bruxism. Some patients only suffer from one symptom while others suffer from all of the symptoms. If the patient does not receive treatment, the symptoms will become worse and create the need for further intervention. When someone identifies bruxism, it is wise to schedule a treatment as soon as possible. Symptoms to watch for include:

#1. Chipped teeth

When a person notices a chipped for no apparent reason, it can be due to the teeth grinding weakening them. The grinding can be so aggressive that it causes a small chip in the tooth while sleeping.

#2. Ridges on front teeth

While ridges on the front teeth are more common in children, adults can show signs of wavy cracks that do not show obvious signs of ridges. This happens with the top and bottom front teeth grind against each other at night. The danger of this is that teeth can become so worn down that they get small cracks, break or become more susceptible to decay.

#3. Sore jaw

When the jaw is too sore to open or moving it causes discomfort, it can be due to nighttime grinding or clenching. The muscles become tight and tense after they have been clenched all night. Consider what it would feel like after weight lifting for hours. The arm and shoulder muscles would likely be tense and in agony. The same is true for jaw muscles which naturally become sore after an evening of clenching and flexing.

#4. Popping noises

If the jaw begins to pop when one opens it, the jaw may be out of alignment due to muscle strain caused by night grinding and clenching.

#5. Headaches

Constant headaches accompanied by a sore jaw is typically a sign of bruxism. Headaches that are unexplained can be as well.

Bruxism treatments

We can treat this condition without surgery by prescribing a night guard to be worn during sleep. These guards are made specifically based on the dimensions of your mouth. A mold is taken at our office along with measurements. This allows the lab to create something that will fit snugly and securely while you sleep and ensure that it doesn’t wiggle out of place or cause any discomfort. It prevents the teeth from touching at night which means they will not be able to grind or clench. While incredibly simple, it is very effective, affordable and non-invasive.

Typically, this will solve the problem when worn on a nightly basis. The key is consistency, especially during times of high stress or busy activity. If the symptoms persist, other options may need to be considered.

Call for help

If you are showing signs of bruxism, call our office to schedule an appointment. We can examine you, let you know if you have the condition and provide you with non-invasive bruxism treatments to improve your comfort and health.