Clenching and grinding the teeth, also known as bruxism, can wear them down and cause jaw and ear pain. General dentists can help patients with bruxism avoid pain and discomfort. This page explains the causes of teeth grinding and how a general dentist can treat it.
It is common for people to be unaware they clench or grind their teeth until they notice symptoms such as a tender jaw, ear pain, facial pain, headaches, or chips and cracks in the teeth. Some patients may also notice tooth pain when eating sweets, which is typically caused by a different underlying issue. The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, may even pop or click while chewing. Bruxism can also damage the bone underneath the teeth. A general dentist may detect these harder-to-catch symptoms through inspection and dental X-rays during a routine oral exam.
While teeth grinding can cause symptoms like sensitivity or tooth pain, these issues often have their own separate causes as well and may require different types of treatment depending on the situation.
Teeth grinding is a different issue from sensitivity triggered by specific things like sweets, cold, or biting pressure, which are typically caused by other underlying dental problems.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, stress and anxiety are two of the most common causes of teeth grinding. Anger, frustration, and certain medications can also cause bruxism. Dental treatments for bruxism vary depending on the cause.
Many patients are not aware they grind their teeth until damage has already started to occur. Grinding often happens during sleep and may be linked to stress, bite issues, or other underlying conditions. Over time, the repeated pressure can wear down enamel and lead to cracks, sensitivity, or jaw discomfort.
If left untreated, teeth grinding can gradually worsen and lead to more significant dental problems that require restorative treatment.
A general dentist will recommend a mouthguard for a patient who grinds their teeth at night. While mouthguards are available at the drugstore, generic mouthguards can cause problems due to improper fit. They can be too long, high, and thin, making them uncomfortable and prone to breaking.
A custom-made mouthguard does not have the issues presented by over-the-counter mouthguards. The general dentist will fit it into the patient’s mouth for optimal comfort. Custom mouthguards are also made of a more durable material, making them a good choice for athletes and those who grind their teeth intensely.
If the jaw or teeth are slightly misaligned and causing bruxism, a general dentist may recommend a dental splint to reposition the problem areas. Grinding can be reduced through proper alignment. Similar to custom mouthguards, splints are tailor-made for each patient.
Muscle relaxers can help relieve bruxism, especially when taken before bedtime for a case of sleep bruxism. However, this is not typically used as a long-term treatment; muscle relaxants relieve discomfort while the patient waits or gets used to a mouthguard or splint.
Other medications may also help. For example, if an anxiety disorder is the underlying cause of bruxism, a general dentist may recommend that the patient see a psychiatrist about going on medication. Finding the right antidepressant or anti-anxiety medication can help with the symptoms of bruxism and the underlying mental health condition.
Sometimes, bruxism is caused by sleep apnea or another medical condition. A general dentist will refer the patient to the correct doctor or specialist in these cases. A mouthguard or splint may be safe to use depending on the condition; make sure to inform the dentist of any other medical conditions when discussing bruxism treatments.
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Teeth grinding can cause pain, discomfort, and oral health problems. There is relief. Call our dental office to learn more about the various treatments for bruxism.
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