A general dentist has simple solutions to teeth grinding, which is sometimes called bruxism. It is a common problem, but far too many patients allow the phenomenon to continue unchecked, risking serious damage to teeth.
Teeth grinding is when upper and lower teeth constantly rub together, and it may occur when a person is awake or asleep. Generally, this is caused by stress during the day or poorly aligned teeth causing discomfort at night. Many patients may be unaware that they grind their teeth until being told by a partner or other observer.
Symptoms of teeth grinding include earache, headache, jaw pain and damaged tooth enamel. Left unchecked, these symptoms can worsen and may result in serious oral health problems.
Thankfully, a general dentist can provide a simple and effective treatment for bruxism. These treatments minimize discomfort and provide a better night of sleep.
Nightguards are simple, clear devices fitted over a patient’s front teeth to prevent grinding. While nightguards are available in retail stores, a dentist will provide a personalized fit, ensuring optimal comfort.
Often, stress is the underlying cause of bruxism. While a general dentist is not a psychiatrist, dentists can offer helpful information and make necessary referrals. While addressing the source of stress may not immediately stop the teeth grinding, a dentist may encourage a patient to seek a support group or schedule counseling sessions for long-term stress management. This approach can benefit much more than oral health.
Of course, reducing stress is not easy, and talking to other people about it may not be for everyone. There are other methods of reducing stress, such as exercising, that a dentist may recommend as well.
A dentist may counsel patients on simple lifestyle changes that might reduce teeth grinding. For example, grinding is often exacerbated by the consumption of alcohol and caffeine. Additionally, being mindful of daytime grinding may help the jaw muscles to relax, reducing symptoms and potentially easing the act of nighttime grinding.
There are even simple tricks that may work for some patients, such as placing a warm, wet towel under the chin while sleeping. Of course, many of these lifestyle changes will not produce drastic results for everyone. However, a general dentist can provide many potential solutions in addition to more reliable interventions. At the very least, many of these lifestyle changes will promote better sleep even if they do not completely stop the bruxism.
It is not common, but some patients may benefit from minor muscle relaxants to prevent teeth grinding during the night. This is often reserved for more extreme cases or situations where there may be additional benefit of the use of a muscle relaxant beyond treating bruxism.
Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is a serious problem that can lead to intense pain and serious oral health problems, but a general dentist can easily prescribe simple treatments. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, call our office today.
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