Bruxism, more widely known as teeth grinding, affects millions of people. Because most people grind their teeth at night while they are asleep, many don’t know they have this dental concern. Dr. Vernon Sheen can diagnose and recommend treatment options for bruxism. During routine dental care or your first visit with us, our dentist in Annapolis, MD, looks for common signs of teeth grinding: worn teeth, cracked or chipped teeth, and even receding gums.
Teeth Grinding Causes
Approximately 10-15% of Americans moderately to severely grind their teeth. There are several different reasons people grind their teeth, most commonly:
- Stress or anxiety
- Malocclusion (improper alignment of the teeth)
- Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMD)
- Parkinson’s or Huntington’s Disease
Teeth Grinding Symptoms
Because most people grind their teeth in their sleep, you must be aware of the symptoms to know that the condition is taking place. These include:
- Worn, flattened, fractured, or chipped teeth
- Worn tooth enamel
- Tooth sensitivity
- Jaw pain or tightness in the jaw muscles
- Earache
- Headache
- Facial pain
- Damaged tissue on the inside of your cheek
Teeth Grinding Treatment
Dr. Sheen is usually able to diagnose Bruxism through a quick visual examination. He works with patients on an individual basis to diagnose the underlying cause for a lasting result from treatment. Options for treatment depend on the severity and cause of your teeth grinding. A conservative first step is often a mouthguard to wear during sleep.
Teeth Grinding Night Guard
A teeth grinding night guard is a custom-made, removable appliance that fits over your teeth to prevent grinding and jaw clenching. Many choose to wear the guard at night while they are sleeping, when they experience the most grinding. You also have the option to wear them in high-stress situations, such as while driving or at work.
A custom mouthguard obtained through a dentist office assures that it will fit properly. They also tend to be of higher quality, will last longer, and are more comfortable. Dr. Sheen will just need impressions of your teeth at one visit, and at the next visit, you will try it to check for comfort and fit.
Bite Correction
Dr. Sheen may also perform a bite correction procedure to treat teeth grinding. This often includes replacing missing teeth with dental implants or a dental bridge. Having just one missing tooth will cause the neighboring teeth to shift. This will can easily cause your bite to not function properly.
Abnormally shaped teeth can also cause your bite to be off. We offer several treatments that can change the shape of your teeth. Dental crowns are one option. They fit over a tooth, completely encasing it, and can be placed in a single visit with CEREC technology.
Another option that can change the shape of your teeth is dental veneers. Dr. Sheen can bond porcelain veneers to the front and sides of your teeth. Implants, crowns, and veneers are all great options that will help the teeth to make proper contact with one another.
Teeth Grinding FAQs
Discover more about teeth grinding in our Annapolis, MD, dental office:
How do daytime and nighttime teeth grinding differ?
Daytime grinding, also called awake bruxism, usually happens when you’re awake and is often linked to stress, anxiety, or habits like chewing on pens or biting your nails. Many people don’t even realize they’re clenching their teeth during the day.
Nighttime grinding, or sleep bruxism, happens while you’re asleep. Unlike daytime grinding, you have no control over it because it’s an unconscious habit. It can be linked to sleep problems, stress, or an uneven bite.
The main difference is awareness: daytime grinding usually happens when you’re awake, and you might stop it if you notice. Nighttime grinding happens while you sleep, so it can be harder to manage without help, like wearing a nightguard. Both types can damage your teeth and cause pain if not treated.
Can medications increase the risk of teeth grinding?
Some medicines can affect brain signals or muscle control, making you grind your teeth more often. Here are a few types of medications that might contribute to this issue:
- Antidepressants like SSRI’s
- Anti-anxiety Medications
- Stimulants (including ADHD medication)
- Certain Pain Medications
Talk to your doctor if you think your medication contributes to problems like teeth grinding.
How can I create a bedtime routine to help prevent tooth grinding at night?
Creating a bedtime routine can help you relax and reduce the chances of grinding your teeth at night. Here are some simple steps you can follow to create a routine:
- Set a Regular Bedtime
- Wind Down Before Bed
- Avoid Screens
- Limit Caffeine and Heavy Foods
- Use a Nightguard
- Practice Relaxation Techniques
Feeling relaxed and tired before sleep will help you sleep with fewer interruptions.
Is there a connection between teeth grinding and sleep apnea?
When someone has sleep apnea, their body experiences interruptions in breathing. These interruptions can make the body react in various ways, such as clenching the jaw or grinding the teeth. The grinding happens because the body is trying to reopen the airway and get enough oxygen. This can lead to worn-down teeth and jaw pain over time.
People with sleep apnea might be more likely to feel stressed or anxious. This can also cause them to grind their teeth.
What are the common signs that I grind my teeth at night?
While many patients may grind their teeth during sleep, they may not realize it unless they experience these signs:
- Waking up with Jaw Pain or Soreness:
- Tooth Sensitivity
- Morning Headaches
- Pain in the Temples
- Chipped, Cracked, or Worn Teeth
- Tiredness During the Day
Contact us if you notice these signs, and we will find the best treatment for you.
Can teeth grinding cause ear pain?
Yes, teeth grinding can cause ear pain! Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, happens when you clench or grind your teeth, often while you are sleeping or feeling stressed. This habit can lead to tension and discomfort in your jaw and surrounding areas.
When you grind your teeth, it puts a lot of pressure on your jaw muscles. This tension can extend to the muscles near your ears, causing pain.
Teeth grinding can also affect the TMJ. If the TMJ is stressed or damaged from grinding, it can lead to ear pain. Sometimes, pain from your jaw can be felt in your ears. This is called referred pain. So, even if the issue is in your jaw, it may feel like pain in your ear.
Why do I only grind my teeth at night?
Grinding your teeth only at night happens because your jaw muscles are more likely to tense up while you’re asleep, especially during certain stages of your sleep cycle. This condition is called sleep bruxism, and it’s often linked to stress, anxiety, or habits your body has learned over time. You may not even realize you’re grinding because you’re asleep, but signs like jaw pain, headaches, or worn-down teeth can point to it.
Your brain might also be more active during sleep, especially if you’re stressed. This can lead to jaw clenching or grinding as your body responds.
Can teeth grinding permanently damage my jaw?
Yes, teeth grinding can permanently damage your jaw if it goes on for a long time. When you grind your teeth, it puts pressure on your jaw muscles and joints. Over time, this constant strain can cause jaw pain, worn teeth, changes in your bite, and TMJ disorders.
If teeth grinding is left untreated and becomes severe enough, it can damage your jaw. Patients with severe TMJ issues may need surgery.
Preserve Your Teeth
Teeth grinding is not something you should have to live with. Annapolis-based dentist Dr. Sheen can diagnose and treat teeth grinding and other dental concerns you may be having easily and effectively. Contact us today. We are accepting new patients.