If you have found that you wake up with a sore jaw, succumb to frequent headaches, or exhibit tightness in the mouth area upon waking, you could be experiencing bruxism. Bruxism is a condition that refers to grinding of the teeth. While bruxism can occur during waking hours, grinding of the teeth while sleeping can often occur without adults or children even be aware. Left untreated, bruxism can continue to be a pain in the jaw. At Limestone Dental Associates, not only do we help patients understand how to stop grinding teeth during sleep, we provide a comfortable and often easy solution.
Don’t Let Grinding Teeth While Sleeping Become a Pain in the Jaw
Although medical experts aren’t 100% sure how bruxism develops, studies have revealed some helpful insights. Research has shown that grinding teeth while sleeping can be caused by:
Stress- Alcohol
- Smoking
- Caffeine
- Sleep Apnea (snoring)
- Medications
- Psychological Conditions (less common)
In some instances, such as teeth grinding in children, the cause of bruxism may be less definable. What is known, however, is what can happen as result of chronic teeth grinding.
Nighttime teeth grinding symptoms can include:
- Clear wear and degeneration of tooth enamel
- Moderate to severe muscle pain in the jaw and mouth
- Difficulty in chewing, speaking, and/or swallowing
Diagnosis and Treatment for Nighttime Teeth Grinding
To help alleviate the symptoms of grinding teeth while sleeping, Dr. David Nibouar and Dr. Matt Baran will conduct an examination of the teeth and jaw, evaluate any jaw muscle tenderness, and take X-rays if needed.
If bruxism is diagnosed, Dr. Nibouar and Dr. Baran will provide suggestions on the best course of teeth grinding treatment.
Although therapies such as stress management, biofeedback, and prescribing certain medications can be used to address grinding teeth while sleeping, often a splint or mouthguard can easily remedy teeth grinding at night. Often, children who experience bruxism simply outgrow the behavior.
At Limestone Dental, patients benefit from receiving specialty mouthguards that are specifically designed to minimize the damage from bruxism, protect the teeth, and in some cases, even stop the discomfort of TMJ disorder. They fit comfortably in the mouth and can be easily cleaned and stored.
If you’ve been experiencing unpleasant teeth grinding symptoms or would simply like more information on how to obtain a customizable mouthguard, one of our Limestone Dental experts is happy to speak with you. Simply click here to get started or call us any time at 302-307-6407.