The Signs and Symptoms of Bruxism

Bruxism- the gnashing or grinding of teeth is something our 70119 dentist helps patients overcome on a daily basis. And even though the ultimate cause of this behavior is unknown, most experts believe it is tied to stress, almost as a nervous habit or tick, which can even occur in the sleep. So if you are bruxing while sleeping- you might not even know you are doing it. With that in mind, we will be discussing the signs of bruxism and how to prevent it from ruining your smile.

A constant grinding of the teeth, consciously or not, can have several symptoms and signs associated with it. They include, but are not limited to:

-Jaw or facial pain

-Popping or clicking sounds in the jaw

-Tooth wear, or fractures in the teeth

-Chronic headaches

-Loose or extra-sensitive teeth.

To prevent grinding, our 70119 dentist can recommend a few treatments. Custom made mouth guards that are worn at night to prevent the teeth from grinding are a great first idea. Many patients have also seen success from stress management classes or cognitive behavioral therapy. If the grinding continues, despite these efforts, surgery can also potentially be a great help.

We offer a wide range of TMJ related procedures and treatments, which often can be related to bruxism. Make an appointment with our 70119 dentist today by calling (504) 619-8721.