Teeth Grinding, Causes and Treatments

Most people occasionally grind or clench their teeth without even realizing it. This may be the case, especially, in times of stress. Occasional teeth grinding, medically known as bruxism, should not cause much harm but patients who consistently grind their teeth can cause damage and may suffer from other oral health problems. At our Shreveport cosmetic dentistry practice, Shreveport Bossier Family Dental Care, we offer treatment to alleviate the symptoms of bruxism. For our patients in Shreveport, we can help prevent teeth grinding, repair damaged teeth that may be the cause or result of bruxism, and alleviate the pain and soreness associated with teeth grinding.

Symptoms of Bruxism

Most teeth grinding occurs at night so many patients are not even aware that they are grinding their teeth until their dentist notices signs of bruxism. Some symptoms that may indicate persistent teeth grinding include:

• Frequent headaches
• Facial pain
• TMJ disorder
• Damaged teeth

Our doctors can examine your teeth to look for unusual signs of wear and help you determine if you are a teeth grinder.

Causes

In some cases, teeth grinding can be a result of stress or frustration. Patients may be responding to suppressed aggression while they sleep or they may be clenching their teeth as a result of sleeping problems. Often, consistent teeth grinding is the result of other oral health problems. Oral health problems that can be a cause of bruxism include:

• Misaligned bite
• Crooked teeth
• Missing teeth

A dental exam can be performed to let you know if oral health problems may be the cause of your bruxism.

Treatment

Treatment for bruxism will depend, in part, on the causes of teeth grinding. Patients who are grinding their teeth as a result of stress may benefit from speaking with a counselor or practicing relaxation exercises such as meditation. Exercises can also be done to loosen the jaw and relieve tension in that area. A conservative treatment that may help with teeth grinding, no matter the cause, is the use of a mouth guard or splint. A mouth guard or splint is worn over the teeth (usually while you sleep) to protect teeth from clenching and grinding. Our dentists can custom make a mouth guard to fit comfortably over your teeth. For bruxism that is caused by a misaligned bite or other dental problems, dental procedures can be used to repair the biting surface of the teeth. For our patients in Shreveport, dental crowns, inlays, or onlays can be used to repair damage that has been caused to teeth as a result of teeth grinding.

Schedule an Appointment

At Shreveport Bossier Family Dental Care, your comfort and satisfaction are our top priorities. We offer high quality care for all your oral health needs. If you are looking to relieve the symptoms of teeth grinding or are just looking for an experienced family dentist in Shreveport, schedule an appointment today. We look forward to treating you.

\” alt=\”Shreveport Teeth Grinding Treatment\” />Most people occasionally grind or clench their teeth without even realizing it. This may be the case, especially, in times of stress. Occasional teeth grinding, medically known as bruxism, should not cause much harm but patients who consistently grind their teeth can cause damage and may suffer from other oral health problems. At our Shreveport cosmetic dentistry practice, Shreveport Bossier Family Dental Care, we offer treatment to alleviate the symptoms of bruxism. For our patients in Shreveport, we can help prevent teeth grinding, repair damaged teeth that may be the cause or result of bruxism, and alleviate the pain and soreness associated with teeth grinding.

Symptoms of Bruxism

Most teeth grinding occurs at night so many patients are not even aware that they are grinding their teeth until their dentist notices signs of bruxism. Some symptoms that may indicate persistent teeth grinding include:

• Frequent headaches
• Facial pain
• TMJ disorder
• Damaged teeth

Our doctors can examine your teeth to look for unusual signs of wear and help you determine if you are a teeth grinder.

Causes

In some cases, teeth grinding can be a result of stress or frustration. Patients may be responding to suppressed aggression while they sleep or they may be clenching their teeth as a result of sleeping problems. Often, consistent teeth grinding is the result of other oral health problems. Oral health problems that can be a cause of bruxism include:

• Misaligned bite
• Crooked teeth
• Missing teeth

A dental exam can be performed to let you know if oral health problems may be the cause of your bruxism.

Treatment

Treatment for bruxism will depend, in part, on the causes of teeth grinding. Patients who are grinding their teeth as a result of stress may benefit from speaking with a counselor or practicing relaxation exercises such as meditation. Exercises can also be done to loosen the jaw and relieve tension in that area. A conservative treatment that may help with teeth grinding, no matter the cause, is the use of a mouth guard or splint. A mouth guard or splint is worn over the teeth (usually while you sleep) to protect teeth from clenching and grinding. Our dentists can custom make a mouth guard to fit comfortably over your teeth. For bruxism that is caused by a misaligned bite or other dental problems, dental procedures can be used to repair the biting surface of the teeth. For our patients in Shreveport, dental crowns, inlays, or onlays can be used to repair damage that has been caused to teeth as a result of teeth grinding.

Schedule an Appointment

At Shreveport Bossier Family Dental Care, your comfort and satisfaction are our top priorities. We offer high quality care for all your oral health needs. If you are looking to relieve the symptoms of teeth grinding or are just looking for an experienced family dentist in Shreveport, schedule an appointment today. We look forward to treating you.