Bruxism

Do you grind your teeth?

Bruxism is a habit of grinding or clenching the teeth. Clenching means you tightly hold your top and bottom teeth together. Grinding occurs when you slide your teeth back and forth over each other. There are a few symptoms that are characteristic of bruxism. People who suffer from bruxism may or may not experience the following:

-Headache

-Sore jaw

-Clenching or grinding teeth

-Frequent toothaches

-Worn or fractured tooth enamel

-Loose teeth

-Earache

-Insomnia

How is bruxism treated?

Night guards are helpful for bruxism caused by sleep disorders, crooked or missing teeth or stress. Custom-made by your dentist from soft material to fit your teeth, the night guard slips over the upper and lower teeth and prevents contact between them. It helps relieve some of the pressure of grinding or clenching, which can damage delicate jaw joints.