Grinding Your Teeth at Night? We Have Solutions

Do you often wake up with jaw pain? Have you noticed that your teeth are becoming worn down or sensitive? If so, you may be grinding your teeth at night. 

You're not alone. Many people unknowingly grind their teeth while they sleep, but we have effective solutions to protect your smile and improve your oral health. 

Here, Dr. Ed Trizzino, our board-certified dentist who specializes in holistic and restorative dentistry, explores the causes, consequences, and treatments for teeth grinding available here at Smiles of Atlanta.

What is bruxism?

Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is the act of clenching, mashing, or grinding your teeth. While it can occur during the day, most people with bruxism grind their teeth while they sleep. Not only does this make it difficult to control the behavior, but you might not even realize you’re doing it.

Bruxism can affect both children and adults and can lead to various dental problems if left untreated.

What causes bruxism?

The causes of teeth grinding can vary from person to person, and in many cases, it’s difficult to pinpoint a single determining factor. Some people may be dealing with multiple factors. These can include:

Stress

High levels of stress or anxiety can lead to teeth grinding. The act of grinding the teeth may serve as a subconscious release of tension, causing muscle strain and dental problems over time.

Having an abnormal bite

Misaligned teeth or an abnormal bite can create an imbalance that leads to teeth grinding. If your jaw isn’t properly aligned, it can cause excessive pressure on certain teeth, resulting in grinding.

Sleep disorders

Bruxism is often associated with sleep disorders such as sleep apnea or snoring. Individuals who have these conditions are more likely to grind their teeth during sleep.

What happens if you continue to grind your teeth?

Teeth grinding may seem harmless, but over time, it can have serious consequences on your oral health. Some of the potential outcomes of untreated bruxism include:

Tooth damage

The constant grinding motion can wear down your enamel, the protective outer covering of your tooth. As you lose enamel, your teeth may become more sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. This tooth sensitivity can make your favorite foods or beverages (like a cup of hot coffee!) less than enjoyable.

The pressure from grinding your teeth can also increase your risk of tooth fractures, or even tooth loss. In severe cases, you may require extensive dental work to restore your smile.

Jaw pain

Bruxism puts excessive strain on your jaw joint, sometimes leading to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Symptoms can include jaw pain, headaches, earaches, and difficulty opening and closing the mouth. You might also notice that your jaw pops or clicks when you open your mouth.

Chronic fatigue

Teeth grinding can disrupt your sleep patterns, and if it sabotages your sleep night after night, you’re more likely to suffer from daytime fatigue.

We have solutions for teeth grinding 

If you suspect that you're grinding your teeth at night, seek professional dental help. Dr. Trizzino provides effective solutions tailored to your specific needs. Some common treatments for teeth grinding include:

Nightguards

Custom-made nightguards fit over your teeth, providing a cushioning effect and protecting them from grinding forces. Nightguards can alleviate your symptoms, prevent further tooth damage, and reduce muscle strain.

Stress management

As a holistic dentist, Dr. Trizzino looks at the whole picture, and if stress or anxiety is contributing to your bruxism, he may recommend that you learn stress management techniques to address the root cause of your clenching. Relaxation exercises, meditation, and counseling are among the possibilities.

Orthodontic treatment

If your bruxism comes from a bad bite, correcting misaligned teeth or bite irregularities through orthodontic treatment can remedy the underlying causes of your bruxism.

Lifestyle changes

In addition to dental treatments, you may benefit from lifestyle changes such as:

• Establishing a relaxing bedtime routine to promote better sleep 
• Avoiding hard or chewy food when your symptoms flare up 
• Massaging your jaw when it’s sore

In addition, try to avoid stimulating substances like caffeine and alcohol in the evening and especially right before bed. The best path forward may be a combination of these solutions.

Get help for teeth grinding 

Teeth grinding can have detrimental effects on your oral health, but you’re not stuck figuring out solutions on your own. Dr. Trizzino at Smiles of Atlanta is here to provide expert guidance and tailored solutions to protect your smile. 

Through the use of nightguards, stress management techniques, orthodontic treatment, and lifestyle changes, you can regain control over bruxism and enjoy a healthier, happier smile.

Book your bruxism consultation online, or give us a call at 770-407-8459.