Do You Grind Your Teeth?

Have you ever woken up in the morning with sore teeth and jaws? If so, you could be grinding your teeth while you sleep. This condition is called bruxism, the rhythmic clenching of the jaws and grinding of the teeth. This condition can develop at any age and is usually done unconsciously while you sleep, but it can also happen while you’re awake.

Teeth Grinding Symptoms 

According to the Bruxism Association, people who grind their teeth are three times more likely to suffer from headaches. Other symptoms include: 

• Muscles aches

• Enlargement of facial muscles

• Temporomandibular joint discomfort (TMJ)

• Stiffness of the shoulders and neck

• Ear pain

• Sleep disorders 

• The teeth may show abnormal wear and mobility which can lead to fracture and tooth loss

The Bruxism Association states that possible causes of teeth grinding are: 

• Stress

• Anxiety

• Smoking

• Heavy alcohol

• Caffeine

• Depression

• Sleep disorders 

The cause of bruxism can only be determined on an individual basis, there is little evidence to support any one cause. Some of my patients with bruxism snore or suffer from obstructive sleep apnea. Other patients smoke or drink caffeine steadily throughout the day. While I also have patients suffering from bruxism who have severe anxiety due to a hostile working environment. The cause is really dependent on your lifestyle and the quality of your work and home environment. 

Treatment for Teeth Grinding

Treatment is also determined on a case-by-case basis because it is heavily dependent on the cause. When patients come in exhibiting signs of bruxism I start by performing a comprehensive exam in order to create a treatment plan specialized to them. 

I usually recommend that my patients wear an occlusal appliance to prevent tooth wear and fracture. Examples of occlusal appliances are: 

• Bite plates

• Occlusal splints

• Occlusal bite guards 

• Night guards

• Bite plates

• Bruxism appliances

These appliances are custom made plastic mouth pieces that fit over your top and bottom teeth. They reduce jaw muscle pain, while also protecting your teeth and TMJ from further injury. These appliances are worn at night while you sleep and are my treatment preference. 

Other Treatment Options: Mandibular Advancement Devices

Mandibular advancement devices are also custom made and fit over your top and bottom teeth. These devices bring your bottom jaw forward. I use these when I have a patient who’s grinding is caused by a sleep disorder, specifically snoring and sleep apnea. 

If I find that anxiety or stress is causing the bruxism in my patient I usually recommend behavioral management. Behavioral management includes relaxation techniques, meditaiton, and psychoanalysis. Interestingly, a study was recently reported by the Bruxism Association to have found that hypnosis has positive long-term effects on teeth grinding and is a promising treatment option. 

If you have been experiencing any of the symptoms above please contact me, Dr. Farinas-Han, at Smiles by Bergen Dental. I will work closely with you to determine your individual cause of bruxism and create a specialized treatment plan to get you back to full health and out of pain as quickly as possible. 

Smiles by Bergen Dental, located in Bergen County NJ, provides quality dental care and treatment by practicing the most up to date dental procedures & the latest technology. We welcome new patients! Smiles by Bergen Dental is conveniently located in Midland Park New Jersey, within minutes from Ridgewood, Wyckoff, Glen Rock, Paramus, Ramsey, Allendale, Saddle River, and Ho-Ho-Kus.

For questions about mouth guards or to schedule an appointment, contact Smiles by Bergen Dental.