Millions of people clench their jaw or grind their teeth during sleep without even being aware of it. It is also common for athletes when they are engaged in intense play. For many, it’s a natural reaction to the onset of stress, but it can be the result of a bite imbalance.
The dentists of Infinity Dental in Fox Lake, IL have extensive training in the diagnosis and treatment of teeth grinding, also known as bruxism. Addressing bruxism is important to avoid eventual damage to the teeth and gums- even tooth loss.
Through thorough examination for the signs of teeth grinding and discussing possible symptoms patients may be experiencing, our dentists can identify the root cause of bruxism. This enables them to recommend a plan of treatment that can provide comfortable, lasting results and restore oral health.
The Signs and Symptoms of Bruxism
- Frequent headaches
- Earaches and neck pain
- Jaw pain and tenderness
- Worn, chipped or flat looking teeth
- Locked jaw
There are a variety of ways to treat teeth grinding, depending on the status of dental health and the cause. The most common is a custom mouth guard to be worn at night or during stressful situations, which will prevent teeth grinding and jaw clenching and reduce or eliminate the associated symptoms. For athletes, wearing a custom sports mouth guard can alleviate stress put on the teeth during play- this has also been shown to improve performance.
Our dentists may recommend restorative procedures such as dental crowns, tooth bonding, or orthodontics to realign the bite if necessary, as well as to repair damage from bruxism that can compromise the integrity of the teeth.
Infinity Dental emphasizes the importance of maintaining oral health, including keeping the natural teeth for as long as possible. Treating bruxism will relieve symptoms that can affect daily life and restore your dental health!
If you think you may grind your teeth or have noticed some of the signs and symptoms mentioned, schedule an appointment with Infinity Dental in Fox Lake, Illinois.