Teeth Grinding Treatment in Easton, PA

Do you grind your teeth at night? If so, you’re not alone. Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a common problem that affects millions of people each year. But what is teeth grinding, who can it affect, what are the side effects of teeth grinding, and how can you prevent teeth from grinding? We’ll also provide some tips for dealing with teeth grinding if you have already experienced it.

Teeth Grinding: What is it?

Bruxism, also known as teeth grinding, is a condition that causes a person to grind or clench their teeth unconsciously. Bruxism can occur during the daytime or at night, and it often happens when a person is under stress.

Over time, teeth grinding can damage the teeth and cause them to become misaligned. It can also lead to headaches, jaw pain, and other health problems. There are various methods to treat teeth grinding, including behavioral therapy, oral appliances, and medications. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the problem.

Side Effects of Teeth Grinding

Why is teeth grinding harmful? Various side effects occur when people grind their teeth. Parents of children who grind their teeth and still have baby teeth shouldn’t stress. Children rarely have issues or severe side effects.

The side effects of teeth grinding bruxism in adults can include headaches, jaw pain, sore jaw muscles, ear pain, misaligned teeth, and damage to the teeth. Teeth grinding can also cause TMJ disorders (temporomandibular joint disorder), which is a condition that affects the joints and muscles in the jaw. If left untreated, sleep or awake bruxism can lead to serious health problems, such as arthritis and issues with the nervous system.

Who can teeth grinding affect?

Teeth grinding can affect people of all ages, but it is most common in children and adults between 20 and 40. Women are more likely to grind their teeth than men, and nighttime teeth grinding is more common in people who have a family history of the condition. It’s also common in those with sleep disorders, including obstructive sleep apnea.

How can you prevent teeth from grinding?

There are many ways to prevent teeth grinding, including reducing stress, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, quitting smoking, and sleeping on your side or stomach. You can also try using an oral appliance, such as a mouth or night guard. If you know you are grinding your teeth at night, see your dentist for an evaluation and see how to stop teeth grinding.

Treatment for Teeth Grinding

If you have already experienced teeth grinding, there are many ways to treat the condition. Treatment options include behavioral therapy, oral appliances, and medications. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the problem.

• Behavioral therapy is a type of treatment that helps you change your behavior. For example, it can help you learn how to relax your jaw muscles and reduce stress.
• Oral appliances are dental devices you wear in your mouth to help prevent teeth grinding and protect your upper and lower teeth. For example, mouthguards are a commonly used oral appliance for sleep bruxism.
• Medications can help relieve pain and inflammation caused by teeth grinding. Sleep medicine may also be an option if you suffer from obstructive sleep apnea.
• Surgery is recommended in severe cases of sleep bruxism where other treatments have not worked. You may also talk to your doctor about Botox injections which can also help.

Tips For Dealing With Teeth Grinding and Sleep Bruxism

You can do things at home to help deal with teeth grinding. Some things you can try include:

• Reducing stress: Try relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation.
• Avoiding caffeine and alcohol: Caffeine and alcohol can make teeth grinding worse.
• Quitting smoking: Smoking can contribute to teeth grinding.
• Sleeping on your side or stomach: This can help reduce teeth grinding at night.
• Finally, wearing an oral appliance: A mouth guard or night guard can help prevent teeth grinding.

If you’re concerned about your grinding, see our dentist at Tencza & Pugliese Dental for an evaluation. We can help determine a course of action to help you deal with the condition and protect your teeth from damage. We are here to help find a solution to your teeth grinding. Don’t let teeth grinding keep you from enjoying life.

Call our team today and schedule an appointment at 610-258-4101.