Grinding Teeth Treatment
Grinding Teeth in San Antonio, Texas
Bruxism or grinding of the teeth is a problem experienced by a large section of the population. It can lead to a variety of problems which can impact your daily living. Getting bruxism diagnosed and treated with general dental care is important for your health and well-being.
The rhythmic clenching of your jaws during sleep can leave your teeth and jaws sore during waking hours. Many people are not aware of the fact that they spend the night clenching and grinding their teeth. Sometimes it is the bed partner who makes the first mention of it. The sound of grinding teeth can be extremely irritating.
Clenching and grinding teeth are not just a nighttime activity. Research has shown that stress often brings on episodes of bruxism. In the day, people under a lot of stress may be prone to clenching and grinding their teeth. It often happens when lifting heavy objects. People also do it unconsciously while reading, writing, or driving. People in the arts or those who are focused on their work may also be prone to clenching.
Most people who grind their teeth do so under specific circumstances. There are people who do not clench or grind their teeth chronically. For some, learning relaxation techniques is all it takes to stop the habit. Others may need more direct treatment, such as a mouth guard for sleeping. At Huebner Smiles Dentistry and Orthodontics, we will do an assessment of your condition and make a recommendation. The treatment regimen will depend on the severity of the problem.
Sleep Bruxism
Grinding teeth at night or sleep bruxism is a fairly common occurrence. Thirty percent of American parents report listening to their children grinding away at night. Many kids outgrow the habit; however, the National Sleep Foundation estimates that about eight percent of the adult population suffers from sleep bruxism.
This practice can result in headaches, facial pain, neck and shoulder pain, ear problems as well as the wearing down of tooth enamel. Chronic bruxism can also interfere with restful sleep. Proper diagnosis and treatment are essential to restore health and well-being.
If you or a loved one grind your teeth and experience any of the symptoms of bruxism, contact our office today to make an appointment at Huebner Smiles Dentistry and Orthodontics. We will diagnose the severity of the problem and get you back on the road to a restful night’s sleep.