Protecting Your Teeth from Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can be a tricky habit to deal with. While it may be easy to see how grinding your teeth can trigger consequences within your dental health, it is not always as easy to realize you are doing it. Teeth grinding or teeth clenching is often performed at night, while you are sleeping.

The Consequences of Bruxism

Unfortunately, bruxism can produce extremely large amounts of pressure on your teeth at once. The average chewing force involves about 20 to 40 pounds of pressure on the teeth, yet the pressure from teeth grinding can register over 250 pounds. This “forceful” act does not go unscathed, especially when it occurs on a regular basis.

Your teeth and jaw suffer the brunt of it this oral habit. Here are some of the disruptive symptoms that unchecked bruxism can involve:

• Worn Down Teeth
• Damaged Dental Work (fillings, crowns)
• Ear Pain
• Jaw Pain or TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder)
• Daily Headaches
• Gum Recession
• Loose Teeth

A Dentist Who Can Address Your Teeth Grinding Habit

Many patients grind their teeth during times of stress. Therefore, stopping the habit can be as simple as finding more ways to relax or calm your mind before bed. However, persistent nighttime teeth grinding can often require more targeted treatment. At Rivers + Tanner Family Dentistry, we offer custom nightguards that can protect your teeth and jaw from teeth grinding. Our nightguards are custom-fit for your comfort and can absorb the forces of clenching and grinding while you sleep so that the daytime consequences can be prevented.