Do You Grind Your Teeth?

Have you ever woken up in the morning with sore teeth and jaws? If so, you could be grinding your teeth while you sleep. This condition is called bruxism, the rhythmic clenching of the jaws and grinding of the teeth. This condition can develop at any age and is usually done unconsciously while you sleep, but it can also happen while you’re awake.

Teeth Grinding Symptoms 

According to the Bruxism Association, people who grind their teeth are three times more likely to suffer from headaches. Other symptoms include: 

• Muscle aches

• Enlargement of facial muscles

• Temporomandibular joint discomfort (TMJ)

• Stiffness of the shoulders and neck

• Ear pain

• Sleep disorders 

• The teeth may show abnormal wear and mobility which can lead to fracture and tooth loss

The Bruxism Association states that possible causes of teeth grinding are: 

• Stress

• Anxiety

• Smoking

• Heavy alcohol

• Caffeine

• Depression

• Sleep disorders 

Bruxism can have several contributing factors, including stress, certain medicines, and sleep-related conditions. It is not simply a reflection of lifestyle. If you snore, have breathing pauses during sleep, or feel unusually sleepy during the day, discuss an assessment for sleep apnea with your medical clinician. 

Treatment for Teeth Grinding

Treatment is also determined on a case-by-case basis because it is heavily dependent on the cause. When patients come in exhibiting signs of bruxism I start by performing a comprehensive exam in order to create a treatment plan specialized to them. 

I usually recommend that my patients wear an occlusal appliance to prevent tooth wear and fracture. Examples of occlusal appliances are: 

• Bite plates

• Occlusal splints

• Occlusal bite guards 

• Night guards

• Bite plates

• Bruxism appliances

A dentist may recommend a fitted night guard, usually covering one arch, to separate and protect the teeth. It may help some symptoms, but it does not necessarily stop grinding or cure a jaw-joint disorder. Follow the prescribed use and report discomfort or bite changes. 

Other Treatment Options: Mandibular Advancement Devices

Mandibular advancement devices hold the lower jaw forward during sleep. They may be prescribed for selected patients with snoring or diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea through coordinated medical and dental care. They are not a routine treatment for every person who grinds their teeth. 

When stress or anxiety contributes to bruxism, relaxation techniques, meditation, and appropriate behavioral or mental health care may help. Treatment should be individualized; evidence for hypnosis as a bruxism treatment is limited. 

If you have been experiencing any of the symptoms above please contact me, Dr. Farinas-Han, at Smiles by Bergen Dental. I will work closely with you to determine your individual cause of bruxism and create a specialized treatment plan to get you back to full health and out of pain as quickly as possible. 

Smiles by Bergen Dental, located in Bergen County NJ, provides quality dental care and treatment by practicing the most up to date dental procedures & the latest technology. We welcome new patients! Smiles by Bergen Dental is conveniently located in Midland Park New Jersey, within minutes from Ridgewood, Wyckoff, Glen Rock, Paramus, Ramsey, Allendale, Saddle River, and Ho-Ho-Kus.

For questions about mouth guards or to schedule an appointment, contact Smiles by Bergen Dental.