Are you experiencing constant headaches, especially in the minutes after waking up?
Over time, teeth grinding (bruxism) can weaken the teeth and lead to the development of complex dental problems. More specifically, teeth grinding can affect the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). When the TMJ is damaged, everyday tasks like speaking, chewing, and laughing can become difficult and even painful.
It is essential to visit a trusted and experienced dentist to ensure that your teeth grinding habits aren’t compromising the health and function of your mouth. Your dentist in Tulsa OK can conduct a full exam, and may recommend TMJ therapy for relief. Dr. Henrich can help you determine the root cause, and fix the effects of teeth grinding in Tulsa, OK.
Symptoms of Teeth Grinding
Persistent teeth grinding can affect the aesthetic and function of your natural teeth. Many patients do not realize they grind their teeth until they visit the dentist. It is important to schedule regular dental checkups at least twice a year. Dr. Henrich can examine your smile and treat your teeth before a more complex dental problem develops. If you are noticing worn teeth, jaw pain, fractured teeth, and frequent headaches (especially in the morning), you may want to schedule an appointment to visit Henrich Dental.
Signs of teeth grinding may include:
- Tooth sensitivity
- Jaw pain
- Chronic morning headaches
- Chronic earaches
- Dull teeth
- Worn teeth
- Sore gums
Treatments For Teeth Grinding in Tulsa, OK
Dr. Frank Henrich offers a range of treatments for our patients with bruxism. During your consultation, Dr. Henrich will examine your smile, address any dental concerns you may have, and discuss your dental goals. Our goal is to help each patient achieve a healthy, functional smile, so we work with you to provide the dental care you to reach optimal oral health. Our oral appliances provide a simple, effective, and cost-efficient way to help manage bruxism-related symptoms.
Mouthguards & Night Guards
Dr. Henrich may suggest treatment using an oral sleep appliance, night guard, or mouthguard. These devices will protect your teeth from the effects of grinding while you sleep. A custom-fit mouthguard will absorb the force of teeth grinding while you are sleeping. Our patients with bruxism may see improvements in jaw pain, tooth wear, and other signs of teeth grinding. For those with more severe bruxism, they can wear mouthguards during the day to provide additional protection.
Night guards are another type of oral appliance we can provide to treat your teeth grinding issues. Unlike mouthguards, a patient will place night guards between the upper and lower teeth. They act as a barrier that prevents teeth from touching each other and grinding together overnight. As with mouthguards, night guards can help reduce clenching, grinding, and other bruxism-related side effects.
Although there are a variety of over-the-counter mouthguards and night guards available, individuals who are serious about finding relief from teeth grinding should consider consulting with a dentist for a custom-fitted appliance. Dr. Henrich can use impressions to create a guard that accurately fits an individual’s teeth shape and size. This can help ensure that you achieve the optimal amount of protection. Additionally, we can provide advice on how to properly wear and maintain the oral device.
When it comes to treating teeth grinding, oral appliances such as mouthguards and night guards can be an effective and permanent solution. They provide a safe and cost-effective way to manage bruxism-related symptoms with minimal effort. If you are considering using a mouthguard or night guard for teeth grinding, consulting Dr. Henrich is the best way to get the most out of your treatment.
Reduce Stress
Talk to Dr. Henrich about safe and effective ways to reduce stress. Sometimes teeth grinding can be linked to anxiety and stress you may feel on a day-to-day basis. Try activities like yoga, exercise, and other stress-relieving activities that may help reduce bruxism. The following are some tips that you can do to help alleviate stress and promote a healthier lifestyle:
- Improve your sleep quality: Try to get an adequate amount of sleep, practice relaxation techniques before bed, and establish a regular sleep routine.
- Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity can reduce stress and anxiety, and can help to manage muscle tension.
- Try relaxation exercises: Relaxation techniques, such as yoga, deep breathing, and progressive muscle relaxation, can help to reduce stress and muscle tension.
- Talk to a therapist: A therapist or counselor can help you to identify and manage stressors in your life in order to reduce your overall stress levels.
- Avoid caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol: All of these substances can increase stress levels and can worsen the symptoms of teeth grinding.
- Practice mindful meditation: Mindfulness meditation can be useful for relieving stress and anxiety and can help you to stay in the present moment.
Treatments for the Effects of Teeth Grinding
The team at Henrich Dental knows all too well what teeth grinding can do to your mouth. Fortunately, Henrich Dental is a comprehensive dentist office that offers you cosmetic and restorative dental services. We can fix your worn teeth with treatments such as porcelain veneers, dental crowns, and more. We also offer full mouth rehabilitation for those with severe problems. Dr. Henrich will only offer the most appropriate treatments for your unique smile.
Teeth Grinding: Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my child is grinding their teeth?
Many children are found to grind their teeth while they sleep. In most cases, it is not bad enough to cause serious harm. Your child will likely grow out of it once the full set of teeth erupted. However, it is important to report this to your dentist. It should be noted in your child’s chart and monitored closely to make sure no serious problems develop because of it.
How do I stop grinding my teeth at night?
Since you are doing this while you sleep, it may not be so easy to stop. Our best advice is cut out caffeine close to bed time, manage your stress level, practice good sleeping habits, and wear a night guard to protect your teeth. An oral sleep appliance is proven to protect your teeth and put less stress on your joints.
What are the long term effects of teeth grinding?
People that grind their teeth without treatment will have worn down teeth and tooth sensitivity. The constant day to day pressure can also cause the teeth to break, chip, or loosen. Additionally, it can damage dental restorations that are present in the mouth such dental crowns or fillings. If this occurs, your dentist will need to repair or redo the restorations, and you will most likely need additional treatment for the damage to your teeth. To avoid thousands of dollars worth of dental work, it is best to get a custom oral sleep appliance to protect your teeth.
What triggers teeth grinding?
The most common time for teeth grinding to occur is during sleep. The most common causes of teeth grinding are a misaligned bite, missing teeth, or crooked teeth. Sleep apnea and other sleep disorders might also trigger teeth grinding.
What does teeth grinding pain feel like?
Pain in the jaw from clenching one’s teeth begins in the joint. Here it may feel achy dull pain in the bone. Tense and aching jaw muscles are a common sign of teeth grinding.
Schedule A Consultation Today
If you are exhibiting symptoms of teeth grinding, please feel free to set up a consultation with Dr. Henrich at Henrich Dental in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Our mouthguards and night guards are custom made so that they fit securely and comfortably in your mouth and no one else’s mouth. Your new oral appliance will help properly align the jaw and prevent tooth wear.
Finding the right solution for your teeth grinding can help improve the quality of life by alleviating painful and uncomfortable symptoms associated with teeth grinding. Contact Henrich dental by calling (918) 262-4731 or schedule an appointment online. We look forward to meeting you and helping you improve your smile!