Do you grind your teeth at night during sleep?
You might be surprised to learn that headaches, worn teeth, or broken teeth could be caused by grinding your teeth. Many people don’t even realize they’re grinding their teeth because it often happens while they sleep. Our dentists in Hunt Valley, MD, can spot signs of teeth grinding during a regular check-up. Dr. Izadi and Dr. Rafat help patients with this issue at Valley Dental Health.
We’ll work with you to figure out why you grind your teeth and how to stop it. Teeth grinding and jaw clenching usually mean there’s a problem with how your teeth come together. We can fix your bite to help stop grinding and protect your teeth.
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is often linked to stress. Stress can come from different sources and can make your teeth, jaw joints, and muscles tense up. This tension can lead to problems like facial pain, headaches, and teeth grinding.
Signs of teeth grinding include:
- Worn teeth with chips or flat spots
- Dull teeth from worn enamel
- Sensitive teeth
- Jaw pain
- Ongoing earache without an ear infection
- Headaches or facial pain
- Cuts or sores on the inside of your cheek
Everyone is different, so you might not have all these symptoms. Only a licensed dentist can diagnose your condition. Visit Valley Dental Health for a stress-free check-up in Cockeysville, MD.
Teeth Grinding Night Guard
Another effective treatment is a night guard or oral appliance. We can make a custom-fit night guard that you wear over your teeth to prevent grinding and clenching. These comfortable and discreet devices protect your teeth and help with pain relief. They reduce the pressure on your teeth and jaw muscles, preventing further wear and tear.
These night guards consist of plastic or acrylic materials and are comfortable to wear. They act as a buffer between your upper and lower teeth. Night guards can also help to alleviate jaw pain, headaches, and other symptoms associated with bruxism. Many patients find relief from symptoms like headaches and facial pain almost immediately with a night guard.
If you suspect that you are grinding your teeth at night, consult with our dentists to see if a night guard is a good option for you. Using a night guard consistently will help protect your teeth and prevent further damage from bruxism.
How to Fix Tooth Damage from Grinding and Clenching
Dr. Izadi and Dr. Rafat have different ways to treat teeth grinding, fix your bite, and repair the damage. Grinding and clenching your teeth can cause a lot of damage. Luckily, there are several treatments that can help fix your teeth. The best treatment for you depends on how severe your grinding is and your overall dental health.
Common treatments to repair damage from grinding include:
- Dental crowns: Dental crowns are like caps that cover your whole tooth. They consist of strong compounds and fit over your damaged tooth to protect it. Crowns can restore the shape and size of your tooth, making it stronger and better looking. They’re great for teeth that have been worn down from grinding or have cracks.
- Porcelain veneers: Porcelain veneers are thin shells that cover the front of your teeth. They fix problems like chips, cracks, or discoloration. Veneers can make your teeth look smooth and even. They’re a good choice if your teeth are damaged but still healthy underneath.
- Invisalign: Invisalign therapy uses clear, removable aligners to straighten your teeth. If your grinding is causing teeth to shift or overlap, Invisalign can help move them into the right place. These aligners are not only comfortable but also less noticeable than traditional braces.
- Implant dentistry: If grinding has caused severe damage and you’ve lost a tooth, implants are a great option. Implants are artificial tooth roots placed in your jawbone. Once in place, they support a new tooth or crown. They look and work like real teeth, helping you eat and speak normally again.
- Removing tooth structure: Sometimes, we need to remove parts of a damaged tooth to fix it properly. This might involve shaving off worn areas or smoothing out rough spots. Removing tooth structure can help prevent further damage and make the tooth look and feel better.
- Cosmetic bonding: Cosmetic bonding is a quick way to fix damaged teeth. The dentist applies a special tooth-colored resin to the tooth and shapes it to match the rest of your teeth. It can fix chips, cracks, and gaps. Bonding is often used for minor repairs and can be done in just one visit.
These treatments can help repair and protect your teeth, so you can smile confidently again!
Teeth Grinding FAQs
Can Teeth Grinding Ruin Teeth?
Yes, teeth grinding can damage your teeth. It can wear down enamel, making your teeth more likely to get cavities and decay. It can also cause headaches and pain in your face, jaw and ears.
What Vitamin Deficiency Causes Teeth Grinding?
A lack of Vitamin D and C can lead to teeth grinding. Vitamin D helps control calcium levels in the body, and Vitamin C helps repair body tissues. You can get these vitamins from foods like citrus fruits, leafy greens, and fatty fish. Additionally, Vitamin B complex plays a crucial role in maintaining nerve health and reducing stress levels that contribute to teeth grinding.
Foods rich in B vitamins include whole grains, eggs, nuts, and seeds. While vitamin deficiencies can be a factor in teeth grinding, other underlying causes may include anxiety, misaligned teeth, or sleep disorders. Addressing these factors is just as important as ensuring adequate nutrient intake. To combat teeth grinding effectively, incorporate a balanced diet enriched with these vitamins while also exploring relaxation techniques to manage stress levels.
Can Teeth Recover From Grinding?
Teeth can suffer serious damage from grinding. If you grind your front teeth, you might need repairs to fix their appearance. Mouthguards can protect against more damage, but existing damage usually needs treatment to repair. Your tooth enamel does not grow back on its own.
Schedule A Dental Exam Today
If you or someone you know is dealing with bruxism, make an appointment with our Hunt Valley dentists. Dr. Izadi and Dr. Rafat will perform a bite analysis to see if TMJ dysfunction is causing your grinding habit.
You can be well on your way to much-needed relief. Call 443-733-6613 or request an appointment online today! New patients from Sparks, Lutherville, Phoenix, Timonium, Hunt Valley, Cockeysville and beyond are welcome.