After a long day, nothing feels better than climbing into bed for a good night’s sleep. Unfortunately, many people are waking up with symptoms of bruxism, and this is causing health problems that can worsen over time.
When you grind or clench your teeth, it can negatively affect your oral and overall health. Also known as bruxism, teeth grinding and clenching are common habits that often occur while asleep. Unfortunately, you may not even realize you have the disorder until you or your dentist begin to see the signs. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know to demystify bruxism.
Diagnosing Bruxism
Because it usually occurs during sleep, many patients don’t realize they are grinding or clenching their teeth. If you are experiencing symptoms of bruxism, don’t ignore them. Contact your Los Gatos dentist right away. The primary symptoms of bruxism are as follows:
- Uneven wear and tear on your teeth
- Jaw, neck, or shoulder pain
- Bite marks on the insides of your cheeks
- Gum recession
- Broken or chipped teeth
- Cracked teeth
- Headaches or facial soreness
Bruxism Treatment Options
When it’s time to treat your bruxism, we first need to determine whether you suffer from sleep apnea. If a sleep study determines you have sleep apnea, treating it can often help with your bruxism symptoms.
If you don’t have sleep apnea, we may recommend relaxation techniques to keep you from grinding and clenching your teeth.
Other treatment options include an oral appliance to protect your teeth from the force of the grinding and clenching or a custom nightguard to create a barrier between your upper and lower teeth. Both of these options can prevent further damage and alleviate your symptoms.
Do You Need Bruxism Treatment in Los Gatos, CA?
If you’re tired of living with the pain associated with bruxism, Nicole E. Pagonis, DDS, can help! We can evaluate your symptoms and work to form a treatment plan to give you the relief you deserve. Contact our dental office at (408) 399-3920 for more information or to schedule a consultation.
We look forward to improving your oral health.