Grinding Teeth

Why should you be concerned?

Grinding your teeth is a condition referred to as "bruxism". People who brux do so day or night, consciously or unconsciously. Over time this can not only affect their teeth, the periodontium (the bone and soft tissues that support the teeth), but also the muscles and joints of their jaw,  resulting in pain, stiffness, and discomfort of the head or neck.

The jaw muscles are by far some of the strongest in the body and can exert tremendous forces on the teeth. Bruxism can wear enamel, dental work and eventually cause tooth breakage. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ or jaw joint) is also affected. The resulting condition is called a TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder).

Treatment Options

Night Guard
The quickest relief of symptoms from Bruxism usually results from wearing a customized night guard to protect your teeth and gums. It takes approximately one week to fabricate the nightguard.

Neuromuscular Dentistry
TMDs are frequently treatable by utilizing the principles of neuromuscular dentistry. Neuromuscular dentistry involves places the jaw into its optimal position, thereby relieving the symptoms associated with TMDs. While traditional dentistry primarily evaluates the teeth, bones, and gums, neuromuscular dentistry works with the hard tissues and the soft tissues, muscles and nerves. Neuromuscular dentists understand that your hard and soft tissues have a complex relationship and they will work to make that relationship a harmonious one. Neuromuscular dentists understand the necessity for including the power source (the muscles) and the controls (the nerves which create the movement), in the equation between the biting forces and functionality of the mouth.