Tired of the Daily Grind? - Teeth Grinding Causes and Treatments
Teeth grinding is more than just an annoyance or an expression of frustration. People who grind their teeth chronically are at risk for a number of serious oral health conditions, including tooth loss. Fortunately, the restorative dentistry practice of Dr. Patrick Tanner, South Ogden Smiles, offers treatments that can help to prevent teeth grinding and to repair damage that has been done due to chronic teeth grinding, clinically known as bruxism.
By undergoing teeth grinding treatments at South Ogden Smiles, patients who suffer from chronic bruxism can help to ensure that their teeth, gums, and jaws remain healthy for a lifetime. Dr. Tanner can diagnose bruxism, identify the cause or causes underlying the condition, and prescribe the most conservative treatment plan that will yield the most beneficial results. If you or someone you love is a chronic tooth grinder, relief may be just a couple of office visits away.
Causes of Chronic Teeth Grinding
So why exactly do people grind their teeth? In truth, most people grind their teeth without realizing that they are doing it; indeed, many people do it most frequently while they are sleeping as a subconscious reaction to stress. Whether people grind their teeth while they are asleep, awake, or during both states, stress is the most common cause of teeth grinding.
Other common causes of teeth grinding include:
- A faulty bite (malocclusion)
- Misalignment of the teeth
- Sleep disorders
- Excess alcohol consumption
- TMJ (temporomandibular joint) dysfunction
In some cases, multiple causes are to blame for chronic teeth grinding, while in certain cases, no cause can be identified. It is useful to be able to identify at least a possible cause as it will help to determine the course of treatment; however, if no cause can be pinpointed, Dr. Tanner generally begins with the most conservative course of treatment and proceeds from there.
Treatments for Teeth Grinding
The most effective treatment for your teeth grinding will depend on Dr. Tanner’s diagnosis. His recommended treatment plan may consist of one or more of the following:
- Lifestyle changes: For many patients, changes to their lifestyle are sufficient to controlling their teeth grinding. For example, patients who grind their teeth out of stress often benefit from learning stress reduction and relaxation techniques and time management strategies. Other lifestyle changes, such as a reduction in alcohol intake, earlier bedtimes, better diets, and improved exercise regimens, can also help.
- Mouthguard therapy: One of the most effective treatments for chronic teeth grinding is mouthguard therapy. Dr. Tanner can provide you with a custom mouthguard that will fit comfortably in your mouth at night, preventing you from grinding your teeth and protecting your teeth from harm.
- Orthodontic treatment: If your teeth grinding is the result of misalignment or a faulty bite, Invisalign® treatment may help to resolve the problem.
Learn More about Teeth Grinding Causes and Treatments
To learn more about teeth grinding causes and treatments, or to schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Tanner, please contact South Ogden Smiles today.