Piney Orchard Dental dentist describes nightguards for bruxism
At Piney Orchard Dental in Odenton, Maryland, Dr. Trevor Greene and his team help patients who deal with bruxism. This condition causes both clenching and grinding of the teeth and can be addressed with a custom nightguard to protect the teeth and reduce the tension of the jaw.
What is bruxism, and how can it affect the smile?
Bruxism is the medical terminology used for clenching and grinding your teeth. It’s also commonly referred to as teeth grinding. Bruxism often occurs during sleep but can also happen during wakefulness. In fact, most people with bruxism don’t even realize they have it because it happens unconsciously. However, bruxism can cause concern if it starts to damage your teeth or affect your quality of life.
What are the symptoms of bruxism?
- The sensation of tightness in the jaw joint and surrounding muscles
- Pain/discomfort in the jaw, face, ears
- Increased clenching during periods of high stress
- Headaches/migraines
- Earaches
- TMJ disorders
What causes bruxism?
The exact cause of this condition is typically unknown, but several factors are thought to play a role, including:
- Genetics: You might be at a higher risk of developing bruxism if it runs in your family.
- Stress: Stress or anxiety is often linked to teeth grinding.
- Sleep Apnea and Snoring: Sleep disorders are directly related to bruxism due to the brain’s attempt to “fix the problem” during apnic episodes.
- Misaligned teeth: People with crooked or misaligned teeth may be more likely to grind their teeth because of the uneven pressure on their teeth.
What are the complications of bruxism?
- Tooth damage: Teeth grinding can wear down your tooth enamel and cause tooth sensitivity, cavities, and even tooth loss.
- Jaw disorders: Bruxism can put a lot of strain on your jaw muscles and joints, leading to pain and stiffness. In severe cases, this issue can even lead to TMJ disorders.
- Headaches: The tension from teeth grinding can cause headaches and migraines.
How do I find out more about bruxism and correlating conditions?
If you think you may have bruxism, you should schedule an appointment to see your dentist to learn more about addressing the issue with a bruxism mouthguard. Call Dr. Trevor Greene of Piney Orchard Dental of Odenton, MD, today at (443) 406-6884 to request an appointment at 8743 Piney Orchard Parkway, Ste. #111.