Teeth grinding is one of the most common dental concerns people can have at any age. We need to address it because it can lead to other dental problems.
How Do I Know If I Grind My Teeth?
In reality, many patients won’t discover that they grind their teeth until they visit their dentist. Teeth grinding often occurs a night, so many patients don’t realize that they do it until they have their teeth evaluated.
During your evaluation, our team of dentists looks for these key signs to determine if you grind your teeth.
- Worn Teeth: Teeth that appear flat, uneven, and riddled are all signs of teeth grinding.
- Change In Your Bite: In advanced cases, teeth grinding can affect the position of your teeth which will ultimately affect your bite.
- Damaged Teeth: Chipped, cracked, or fractured teeth can be a sign of teeth grinding. When you’re putting even pressure on the teeth, it can lead to tooth damage.
- Clicking or Popping of the Jaw: Teeth grinding can affect muscle tension in the jaw, which may result in a clucking or popping sound when you’re moving the jaw.
What Causes Tooth Grinding?
The causes of tooth grinding can vary and may include physical as well as psychological factors. Talking with our dentists can help you uncover the root cause of your tooth grinding and get you one step closer to an effective treatment.
Reasons For Teeth Grinding:
- Occlusion: Occlusal dysfunction is one of the leading causes of tooth grinding. Occlusion refers to the position of your teeth when your jaw is closed, also known as your bite. When your bite is misaligned, it can affect your dental health and lead to complications. Our team uses an innovative technology called T-Scan® to analyze dental occlusion and build an effective treatment plan.
- Stress & Anxiety: Teeth grinding can occur during sleep and while you are awake. In some cases, stress and anxiety can lead to tooth grinding. Speaking to your doctor or dentist can help you establish some of those feelings and get you closer to your ideal treatment.
- Other Reasons: It is important to examine these key factors to determine if they are contributing to your bruxism: certain types of medication, mobility disorders, physical factors, and genetics.
Symptoms of Teeth Grinding
If you notice one or more of the following symptoms, it is important to schedule a consultation with one of our dentists. Although these symptoms can mimic other dental concerns, it is crucial to undergo a dental evaluation to rule out other dental issues.
Common Signs of Teeth Grinding:
- Earaches or Ear Pain
- Facial Pain
- Cracked and Chipped Teeth
- Worn Teeth
- Jaw Ache or Pain
- Tooth Sensitivity
- Recurring Headaches
What Are My Treatment Options For Tooth Grinding?
At Cosmetic Dentistry Associates, our team will build a comprehensive treatment plan that is right for you. You will undergo a complete dental evaluation to determine two things: the underlying cause of your tooth grinding and the extent of damage to the teeth and jaw.
Your comprehensive treatment plan will address your needs and reduce the risk of tooth damage and injury to the jaw in the future.
- Restorative Dentistry: Depending on the extent of tooth damage, we may recommend solutions such as dental crowns and dental implants to restore your smile.
- Orthodontics: We offer solutions like Invisalign to help realign your teeth.
- Bite Correction: After a complete evaluation of your bite, we may recommend a range of restorative solutions to balance your bite. Treatment options may include dental crowns, dental bonding, and implants.
- Teeth Grinding Night Guard: A night guard is very similar to a mouthguard. A custom designed night guard is worn while you sleep to help prevent the biting surface of the teeth from coming together. This custom oral appliance also helps the muscles of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) to relax and allows the jaw to rest in a more natural placement.
Schedule An Appointment
If you would like to explore your treatment options for tooth grinding, visit Cosmetic Dentistry Associates in Pomona, NY. To schedule an appointment, call (845) 241-0656 or request an appointment online.