There are plenty of activities in our everyday lives that can damage or wear down our teeth. Out of all of them, bruxism (teeth grinding) is one of the hardest to spot. Patients with teeth grinding in Payette, ID, can experience a loss of tooth enamel, jaw pain, and even damage or decay. Teeth grinding is fairly common, and many adults can suffer some serious dental problems if left untreated. Your dentist can examine your teeth and bite to determine if teeth grinding could be causing issues.
Signs of Teeth Grinding in Payette, ID
It’s not always easy to tell if we grind our teeth or not. Most cases of teeth grinding happen at night when we are unaware of our jaw’s movements. However, there are some early warning signs of grinding that can alert you to a potential need for treatment.
- Jaw pain or popping, especially in the morning
- Pain or discomfort when opening your mouth wide
- Loss of tooth enamel/increased tooth sensitivity
- Noticeable sound of grinding when sleeping
- Frequent headaches and neck pain
All of these can be signs that you’re grinding your teeth at night. They can also be signs of a different dental problem. So, as soon as you notice any pain or discomfort in your mouth, it’s a good idea to contact your dentist right away to schedule an exam.
Treatment for Teeth Grinding
For patients who do suffer with teeth grinding, there are ways to help protect your teeth and relieve symptoms. The most common way to treat teeth grinding is through the use of a custom night guard. A night guard fits in your mouth much like a retainer or clear aligner tray, but the material is slightly thicker. This extra space provides padding between your upper and lower teeth. This way, your teeth are grinding against the softer material, not each other. And the space between the teeth can help alleviate pain caused by clenching your jaw too tightly. Additional treatment for teeth grinding may include jaw surgery or orthodontic treatment.
Causes of Teeth Grinding
There’s no one cause behind teeth grinding. Some patients only experience occasional instances of grinding caused by stress or anxiety throughout the day. Other patients may experience more frequent grinding caused by a new medication or even a medical disorder, such as Parkinson’s Disease. The cause behind your teeth grinding can often lead to additional treatment options, but it’s not always easy to identify the exact source. A custom night guard, however, can help protect your teeth and jaws no matter what the underlying cause is.
If you experience jaw pain or new tooth sensitivity, teeth grinding could be the culprit. Call Payette Dental today at 208.243.9807 to schedule a consultation. After examining your bite, your dentist can help determine if you need a custom night guard to help treat teeth grinding.