Wednesday, September 7, 2016

Basics of Bruxism

Do you ever wake up from a night’s sleep with sore teeth and jaws? You could be grinding your teeth. The medical term for occasional teeth grinding is called bruxism and although this condition does not usually cause harm, when teeth grinding occurs on a regular basis the teeth can be damaged and other oral health complications can arise. If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, facial pain, or notice your jaw muscles being tired or tight, you may be a “bruxer.” If that is the case, one of our doctors at Garrison Family Dentistry will develop an individualized treatment plan to help alleviate these symptoms.


Stress, anxiety, smoking, heavy alcohol, caffeine, depression and sleep disorders are all possible causes of teeth grinding. Treatment for teeth grinding depends on the cause. In some cases, chronic teeth grinding can result in fracturing, loosening or loss of teeth. Patients may benefit from a mouth guard to stabilize the jaw and prevent tooth damage that is caused by grinding.


If you suffer from symptoms of bruxism, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.garrisondentistry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Garrison Family Dentistry here in Smithville, MO, call 816-532-8778. 

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