Bruxism Specialist

What is bruxism?

Bruxism is the medical term for teeth grinding. Some people clench their jaw or grind their teeth during the day, but most people with bruxism exhibit these traits only at night while asleep. 

Your teeth are incredibly durable and strong, which is why humans can enjoy a variety of foods, including hard nuts, seeds, and fibrous vegetables. But your teeth cannot easily withstand the pressure of being ground against each other. 

Over time, people with bruxism can develop serious complications that damage their teeth and jaw. Unfortunately, many people are completely unaware they have the problem until a serious dental issue arises that brings about a proper diagnosis of bruxism. 

What are the signs of bruxism?

Knowing what to look for can help you know when to take steps to address the problem. Some of the indications you might be grinding your teeth at night include:

• Sleep disruption
• Pain in your jaw, face, or neck
• Sounds of teeth grinding that wake you or your sleep partner
• Flattened, chipped, or cracked teeth
• Teeth that appear to have lost their enamel on the biting surfaces
• Increased tooth sensitivity or pain
• Pain in or near your ears
• Dull headache that begins at your temples

Don’t ignore these signs of bruxism. Left untreated, the condition can cause serious damage to your teeth. Nighttime teeth grinding can also cause or contribute to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, a serious jaw problem that can be very painful.  

Are there treatments that can help bruxism?

Once you’ve been diagnosed with bruxism, it’s time to explore treatments that can help. The primary treatment to prevent nighttime teeth grinding is an oral appliance called a night guard. The Center for Dental Excellence East Lake team can design a custom-fitted night guard to wear at bedtime. 

This device fits over the surface of your teeth, much like the mouth guards worn by athletes. The guard prevents your upper and lower teeth from making contact. Wearing a night guard also creates a slight change in how your jaws align during the night, which can sometimes be enough to change the body/brain connection that causes teeth grinding. 

For patients who are looking for esthetic treatments for severely worn and/or cracked teeth we can offer more advanced solutions.  Drs. Nowicki and Christ have years of experience treating patients needing full mouth rehabilitations resulting in beautiful and functional smiles.

If you’d like more information about bruxism or are ready for a diagnostic exam, call the office to schedule a visit. Online booking is also a fast and easy option.