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, experienced dentist to ensure that the health and function of your smile are not compromised. 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
Dr. Frank Henrich offers a range of treatments for 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.
- Mouthguard: Dr. Henrich may suggest treatments like an oral sleep appliance mouthguard to protect the teeth from grinding while you sleep. A custom fit mouthguard can help protect your smile from further damage and discomfort. Our mouthguards are custom made so that they fit securely and comfortably in each patient’s mouth. Your new mouthguard will help properly align the jaw and prevent grinding overnight.
- 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.
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
If you are exhibiting symptoms of teeth grinding, please feel free to set up a consultation with Dr. Henrich at Henrich Dental in Tulsa, OK. 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!