For millions of Americans, bruxism is a serious problem. This disorder refers to the grinding or clenching of a person’s teeth. How do you stop teeth grinding? By recognizing the warning signs, you can seek the treatment necessary to protect your overall oral health.
Teeth Grinding Quiz
- True or False: A toothache can be a warning sign of bruxism.
- True or False: Teeth grinding won’t damage your teeth.
- True or False: Grinding your teeth could lead to a TMJ disorder.
- True or False: Treating bruxism requires surgery.
Answer Key
- True. When you grind or clench your teeth, this places a major amount of pressure on them. As a result, symptoms of bruxism may include headaches, toothaches, tooth sensitivity, and jaw pain. If you notice one or more of these symptoms, consider contacting your dentist for a consultation and diagnosis.
- False. Grinding your teeth can absolutely damage them. In fact, teeth may become worn down, chipped, or cracked, exposing sensitive inner structure to bacteria and increasing the risk of decay, infection, or even a dental abscess.
- True. When you clench or grind, this also stresses the jaw joints. Soon, a patient may develop TMJ disorder, which makes fully opening and closing the mouth difficult. You may notice similar symptoms as those encountered with bruxism, along with a popping or crackling sensation in the jaw.
- False. In many cases, we can address the issue with a comfortable and minimally invasive treatment option. The doctor may recommend a mouthguard. Worn at night, when most people grind their teeth, this device simply keeps the upper and lower teeth form touching, eliminating episodes of grinding or clenching. If you have any questions about treating bruxism or TMJ disorder, we invite you to contact our office today.
About Your Astoria Dentist
Our Astoria, NY dentist office accepts most major insurance plans. To find out if we accept yours, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jeffrey Leibowitz, contact us at (718) 728-8328. We welcome patients living in and around Queens, Astoria, NYC, upstate New York, and New Jersey.
