Do You Grind Your Teeth?

Although teeth grinding may happen at any time, people often grind their teeth in their sleep. You may not even know you're doing it. The causes are not clear. Stress is one possible cause, but often the reason for the habit is not known.

Teeth grinding may cause:

Chipped enamel

Flattened, grooved, worn-down teeth

Loosened teeth

Cracked teeth

Periodontal (gum) problems

Damage to bridges or other dental implants

If something isn't done to stop the damage, grinding may lead to jaw muscle or joint problems and even loss of your teeth.

Symptoms like these may be a signal that you grind your teeth:

A sore, tired jaw

Sensitive teeth

Loose teeth

Earaches

Dull headaches

Neck aches

Clicking sounds when you open your mouth

Depending on the cause of your teeth grinding we may suggest one or more of these treatments:

Mouth guard - which is a plastic device that fits over your teeth. It protects them from grinding damage. It's worn when you're most likely to grind your teeth.

Bite Adjustment - The way your top teeth fit against your bottom teeth may be uneven. Correcting this can reduce chances of grinding.

Stress Reduction
Reducing stress may make grinding less likely by relaxing your jaw muscles. We may suggest ways to reduce stress, like exercise.

Protect Your Smile!

Getting teeth grinding under control can help you sleep better at night and feel better during the day. It can also help you protect your smile by keeping your teeth from being damaged.

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