Clenching our jaws and grinding our teeth is often blamed on stress but many times the cause is not easily found. Most people who grind their teeth do so during sleep and may not even realize they are doing it until a bed partner comments on the noise or a visit to the dentist shows wearing of the teeth. Because bruxism (tooth grinding) occurs at night some have tried to label it a sleep disorder, others think it is simply habit.

Whatever the cause the outcome is usually the same. Bruxism causes the teeth to wear down and the stress on the jaw joint leads to temporomandibular joint pain and dysfunction (TMJ) with symptoms including facial pain, headache, neck and back pain and even changes in hearing. Over time the teeth continue to wear which changes the bite, which adds to the stress on the jaw joint and can also include damage to the gums and facial muscles. Since stopping bruxism from happening is almost impossible, the answer lies in protecting the teeth, TMJ and muscles with a bruxism appliance created by a neuromuscular dentist.

A neuromuscular dentist is someone who has advanced training in how the musculature of the head and neck work together with the jaw joint and teeth. By finding the optimal position for your jaw and creating a custom appliance that will hold your jaw in that position during sleep the damage from bruxism can be avoided. For those patients who have already experienced severe damage to their teeth from this condition a full mouth restoration may be the answer.

If you are experiencing frequent headaches, facial or jaw pain you may be grinding your teeth. Early intervention is vital to protecting the health of your teeth and jaw joint. Please contact our office at 614-476-6696 today to schedule your evaluation.