Teeth Grinding

TEETH GRINDING TREATMENT IN BENTON, AR

Our family dentist can provide relief to patients who grind their teeth. Grinding your teeth due to being anxious or nervous is not a big deal, and it is unlikely to cause significant damage. However, involuntary teeth grinding that typically occurs during sleep can wreak havoc on your teeth. Our family dentist can help reduce the effects of teeth grinding by providing you with a custom nightguard to protect your teeth at night.

What Is Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)?

Bruxism, or teeth grinding, can be a very problematic issue to have. This is when an individual grinds their teeth together during the day or even during the night.

Types of Bruxism

Although the grinding action is prevalent in both types, awake bruxism and sleep bruxism are considered separate conditions:


  • Awake bruxism: You clench your jaw and grind your teeth during the day with this condition. It’s usually tied to emotional issues. Feeling anxious, stressed or angry can lead to teeth grinding. But so can concentrating on something. Awake bruxism often doesn’t need treatment, if you’re more likely to notice and stop. Stress management can help and learning ways to become aware can also help reduce the frequency.
  • Sleep bruxism: You grind your teeth while asleep with this form, which may cause more harm. You may not get the help you need since you’re unaware it is happening. Another challenge with sleep bruxism is that people don’t realize how strong they’re clenching their jaw and teeth. They can use up to 250 pounds of force, causing jaw pain and teeth problems. Clenching can also lead to headaches.


Symptoms of Bruxism

Signs that you may have bruxism include:

  • Disrupted sleep.
  • Headaches or facial pain, especially in the morning.
  • Earaches.
  • Painful or loose teeth.
  • Sore jaw muscles.
  • Teeth fractures.
  • Wear on teeth.
  • TMJ, which sounds like clicking or popping in the jaw.
  • Pain with eating.
  • Jaw locking.


Teeth Grinding FAQ

We've compiled a few of the most popular questions we get about teeth grinding. Click on the question below for the answer.

  • How does a night guard help?

    A custom mouthguard or splint helps reduce the forces placed on the teeth when the patient is grinding their teeth. These appliances look like the mouthguards worn during contact sports. It provides a rubbery barrier that prevents teeth from meeting each other. It is an effective way to prevent the condition from causing severe damage to the patient’s teeth.

  • What are the causes of teeth grinding?

    There is no clear answer to this question. The condition is viewed as a subconscious response to stress or anger. Some people pick it up from taking part in strenuous activities like weightlifting. It starts as a way to concentrate on the task at hand and evolves into involuntary teeth grinding. Some studies also indicate that teeth grinding can be caused by mental health issues like depression and habits like excessive alcohol, tobacco, or caffeine consumption.

  • Is teeth grinding harmful?

    Yes, grinding the teeth leads to excessive forces being exerted on them. This leads to teeth structures breaking apart and biting surfaces being flattened. As a result, the patient might have a hard time grinding chewy foods, and their risk of tooth decay increases because the enamel on some of their teeth has been compromised.

CONTACT US FOR YOUR PROFESSIONAL TEETH GRINDING TREATMENT SOLUTION

When you contact us regarding your teeth grinding issues, we'll evaluate your condition and fabricate an appliance to save your teeth and alleviate morning migraines and muscle pain.  We accept many different insurances so don't hesitate to ask us if yours is accepted. DO NOT send personal health information through this form. Specific patient care must be addressed during your appointment. We promise to provide professional service and the best dental care available to the residents of Arkansas.

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