Treating the Habit of Teeth Grinding

Do you regularly suffer from jaw pain, particularly in the morning? Has a loved one told you that they can hear your teeth clicking together when you sleep? You may have a habit called bruxism, also known as teeth grinding. Bruxism can lead to a number of more serious issues, including dental problems or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. Luckily, there are several treatment options available to help you stop grinding your teeth.

What Causes Teeth Grinding?

The first step in determining the best treatment for you is to figure out why you’re grinding your teeth. For many people, it’s an unconscious response to stress or anxiety. For others, it can happen because of the shape of their teeth or a misalignment of their jaw. If you suspect you might have a problem with teeth grinding, bring it up with your dentist to get to the root cause and discuss appropriate treatment.

Stress Relief

Because bruxism is commonly a physical manifestation of anxiety, you may begin treatment with lifestyle changes that help lower your stress levels. Exercising regularly, meditating, avoiding screens before bed, and minimizing alcohol consumption can all help your brain and body relax to the point where teeth grinding happens less frequently.

Nightguards

A great option for treating teeth grinding is wearing a custom nightguard. Made to fit your specific smile, a nightguard serves as a barrier between your upper and lower teeth, protecting them from the wear and tear caused by bruxism.

Braces or Invisalign

If your teeth grinding is a result of the way your teeth align with each other, braces or Invisalign may be able to help. By straightening out your smile, it’s possible to change the position of your teeth so they don’t grind against each other so much.

Addressing Bruxism at Chandler Dental Center in San Antonio, Texas

Addressing your teeth grinding can help relieve discomfort and avoid potential issues that could develop down the line. At Chandler Dental Center, we offer comprehensive dental care for the whole family. Schedule an appointment today to discuss teeth grinding or get a consultation for a custom nightguard.

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Categorised in: Bruxism, Nightguards

This post was written by ChandlerDentalCenter

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