Bruxism refers to a disorder in which a person chronically grinds his/her teeth or clenches his/her jaw, leading to damage and other oral health complications. What causes teeth grinding? At Calcagno Cosmetic and Family Dentistry, we understand the seriousness of this disorder and offer treatment options to protect your smile from further damage.
Try Our Teeth Grinding Quiz
- True or False: Stress can lead to bruxism.
- True or False: Teeth grinding can cause chips and fractures in the teeth.
- True or False: A headache could be a warning sign.
- True or False: We can protect your teeth with an oral appliance.
Answer Key
- True. Stress is a major cause of teeth grinding. Other possible causes of bruxism may include tooth loss, misalignment, TMJ disorder, and injury to the face or jaw. Understanding the factors behind your bruxism is essential for recommending the most appropriate treatment option.
- True. Over time, the pressure from grinding and clenching can cause enamel to be worn down. In addition, you could chip your tooth or develop fractures. Damage exposes the sensitive layers of inner dentin to bacteria, allowing cavities and dental infection to occur.
- True. Along with headaches, other warning signs may include facial pain, soreness in the jaw, neck, or shoulders, toothaches, and tooth sensitivity. If one or more of these potential symptoms sound familiar, then please schedule a visit so we can examine your smile and if necessary, prescribe treatment.
- True. In many cases, we may prescribe an oral appliance. Similar in appearance to a nightguard, the device is worn during sleep (when most grinding episodes occur) and provides a barrier between the upper and lower teeth. The appliance protects the teeth from further damage.
