What Causes Teeth Grinding?

Do you regularly grind your teeth? If so, you may be wondering why this happens and what you can do to stop it. Fortunately, we can provide assistance. We have treatment options to help you enjoy a healthy smile and prevent further damage to your teeth as a result of bruxism.

Try Our Quiz on Teeth Grinding

  1. True or False: Stress can cause bruxism.
  2. True or False: Teeth grinding can damage your smile.
  3. True or False: We can treat the issue with an oral appliance.
  4. True or False: We can repair damaged teeth.

Answer Key

  1. True. Stress is a major cause of teeth grinding. In fact, we often recommend patients reduce the anxiety in their daily life to help combat the issue. Other causes include untreated TMJ disorder, tooth loss, misalignment, or injury to the face or jaw. We will pinpoint the exact cause before prescribing a treatment option.
  2. True. Over time, the constant pressure on the teeth can lead to worn down enamel, chipped teeth, or even dental fractures. The damage can then expose the more sensitive inner structure to harmful bacteria, allowing cavities and eventually even infection to form, threatening the health and stability of your smile.
  3. True. An oral appliance can reposition the jaw to ease strain on the joints, and provide a barrier between the teeth to prevent further damage. Other treatment options may include restorations (such as crowns) and orthodontics (such as ClearCorrect invisible braces).
  4. True. Should you have damaged teeth, we can restore them using a lifelike dental crown, a veneer, or even dental bonding and contouring. If you have any questions about addressing bruxism, or about restoring the appearance and health of your smile, then contact our team today.

Do You Have Questions About Bruxism?

At Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, we can use a variety of treatment options to help you stop grinding your teeth. We’ve proudly served our patients in Astoria, NY (including Queens, Manhattan, Brooklyn, and all surrounding communities) since 1991. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Leibowitz, call our office in Astoria today at 718-728-8320.