Teeth Grinding: How To Avoid Further Tooth Damage

Teeth grinding, also called bruxism, can occur in children and adults, although many children eventually outgrow the condition. It can also begin later in life as a result of stress or a bite disorder such as TMJ.

Many people are unaware of their bruxism – they don’t realize that they are grinding or clenching either during the day or in their sleep. Common signs of teeth grinding can include flattened, fractured, or chipped teeth, worn tooth enamel, tooth sensitivity, jaw or face pain, and tired or tight jaw muscles. Those who grind their teeth at night often wake up with a headache or mouth and jaw pain.

Teeth grinding is often (though not always) caused by stress or a bite disorder. Fox Lake, IL Dr. Thomas Prendergast offers comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for teeth grinding, as well as restorative dental procedures to address a bite problem or tooth damage.

One of the most common and conservative treatments for teeth grinding and bruxism is a mouth guard. A mouth guard may not stop grinding altogether, but will lessen its effects on your teeth, mouth, and jaw. Worn while you sleep, a mouth guard provides many benefits. It protects enamel from eroding from grinding and can prevent further damage to teeth and gums.

If a bite disorder is the underlying cause of your teeth grinding, Dr. Prendergast will recommend the appropriate treatment to restore balance to your bite, alleviate bruxism and restore your dental health.

If you are experiencing the signs or symptoms of teeth grinding/bruxism, discuss your concerns during your next routine dental care visit with Dr. Prendergast, or call to schedule an initial visit in our Fox Lake, IL dentist office.

Addressing teeth grinding as soon as possible is important for avoiding tooth damage or even tooth loss which can affect your daily quality of life.