Bruxism (Teeth Grinding) St. Cloud, FL
If you wake up in the morning with unexplained jaw, neck, or head pain, you might be grinding or clenching your teeth while you sleep. Not only is this condition, called bruxism, painful, but it can deprive you of restful sleep during the night, and it can damage your teeth. This condition is a fairly common one, but thankfully it is fairly easy to treat.
Don’t put off seeing the dentist if you suspect you might be grinding your teeth. Seeking treatment early can help prevent permanent damage to your teeth as well as ensure you can get a good night’s sleep. Call Dr. Yang Hua of Modern Dentistry of St. Cloud to find out if you are suffering from bruxism.
Causes and Effects of Bruxism
For most people, stress and anxiety are the underlying reasons for teeth grinding and clenching. Those who do this during the day often are aware of the habit and can try to stop. But over time, the grinding and clenching become a habit that starts being automatic during the night, so it’s tough to stop on your own.
Patients who grind their teeth at night often suffer from the following symptoms:
- Sore jaw muscles
- Aching teeth
- Dull headache upon awakening
- Restless sleep
- Worn down teeth
Long-term effects of bruxism include severe jaw pain, loss of hearing, and damaged teeth that might need expensive repairs such as crowns, bridges, and implants. Teeth grinders might also have trouble opening and closing their jaw all the way.
Custom Dental Mouthguards in St. Cloud, FL
If you are unaware of your teeth grinding, your dentist will spot the signs at your routine examination. These include excessive wear on the teeth (especially the back molars).
Because the bruxism habit is a hard one to break once it has become the norm for people, a mouthguard can be a godsend. A custom mouthguard is an oral appliance that is made of plastic. It is worn at night to prevent the teeth from clenching together. A mouthguard will protect your teeth from becoming worn, and it should alleviate the pain you might feel during the day.
Additional Treatment in St. Cloud, FL
Although a mouthguard is a good start when it comes to fighting the effects of bruxism, sufferers might also want to do what they can to reduce the stress in their lives since that is a trigger for many teeth grinders. Regular exercise can help lower stress levels and lessen bruxism. Cutting back on stimulants such as tobacco and caffeine can also help.
Call Our 34772 Dentist Office for More Information
If you think you or a family member might be suffering from bruxism, the sooner treatment begins, the less chance there is for permanent damage that impacts your oral health. Give us a call today to make an appointment for an examination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Teeth grinding and clenching, commonly called bruxism, often occurs during sleep. This makes it difficult to stop because you may not realize you’re doing it.
However, there are signs of bruxism, including:
- Head, neck, shoulder pain
- Fractured or worn teeth
- Jaw pain and muscular jaws
- Waking up at night
Without treatment, bruxism can significantly impact life quality, causing tooth breakage, cavities, and jaw joint issues. Then, of course, there is also the associated pain.
Stopping bruxism is tricky because it isn’t always simple to get to the root cause. For example, you may be anxious, nervous, experiencing sleep issues (night terrors or apnea), or under stress.
Fortunately, your dentist in St. Cloud, FL can help prevent bruxism with appliance therapy. We can create a custom appliance that prevents the upper and lower jaws from coming together during sleep. This appliance is made of acrylic for your protection and comfort.
Are You Seeking Treatment for Bruxism in St. Cloud, FL?
If you suspect bruxism—or if you’re unsure—our team can spot the telltale signs, including worn teeth. We can also x-ray your jaw joint to check for any damage or inflammation.
Give us a call today if you have questions or if you’d like to schedule a consultation.
A custom mouth guard made by your St. Cloud, FL dentist is one of the best ways to prevent clenching and grinding of your teeth (bruxism).
Bruxism is a condition that typically occurs during the night while you sleep, sometimes without you even knowing it. You may only become aware that you're clenching and grinding at night if your bed partner hears it or you notice some of these telltale symptoms:
- Frequent headaches, especially in the morning
- Pain or tenderness when biting or chewing
- Excessive wear or other damage to your teeth
- Neck, shoulder, or jaw joint soreness
- Your jaw popping, clicking, or locking
As these symptoms worsen, they can impact your quality of life and even become debilitating.
The good news is that Dr. Hua can make a custom mouth guard that is easy and comfortable to wear while you sleep. The mouth guard is made of plastic, and it covers your teeth and protects them from the damage that occurs during the night due to bruxism.
If you or a loved one struggles with tooth grinding or clenching, contact your trusted dentist 34772 area at (321) 805-3888 to learn more about how Dr. Hua and his team can help.
Some people grind and clench their teeth during sleep, which is called bruxism. This condition affects people of all ages and may be more common in children.
There are many theories as to why people gnash their teeth during sleep, including:
- Stress and anxiety
- Certain medications
- Tobacco use
- Alcohol use
- Night terrors
- Sleep apnea
- Dementia
- Malocclusion (bad bite)
Your doctor or dentist can point you in the right direction to root out the cause, but often the reason isn’t apparent, and patients do not fit any at-risk criteria.
The good news is that your dentist in St. Cloud, FL can provide treatment to help save your teeth from the ill effects of grinding and clenching, including tooth loss and dental fractures. If left untreated, bruxism can also damage your jaw joints and leave you with recurring or ongoing pain in the head, neck, and shoulders.
One of the ways we treat bruxism is with appliance therapy, also called a nightguard. This comfortable and customized device fits over your teeth to prevent your jaws from coming together during the night.
For Bruxism Treatment in St. Cloud, FL, Contact Us
If you think you have bruxism, it’s essential to see your dentist as soon as possible. We want to prevent complications and ensure you have safe and comfortable sleep.
For those searching for pediatric dentistry in St. Cloud, FL, our team is dedicated to providing comprehensive care for patients of all ages. As your trusted dentist 34772 area, we ensure that every member of your family receives the highest level of dental care tailored to their unique needs.
Meet Our Doctor:
Dr. Yang Hua DMD
Dr. Yang Hua received his Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology from the University of Texas at Austin and his Doctorate of Dental Medicine at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale. He is a member of the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
He enjoys his work as a dentist because he loves the instant gratification ...
Featured Blog Posts - Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)
What Does Bruxism Do to Your Teeth?
Don’t you deserve to wake up feeling rested and strong in the morning? Did you know that grinding your teeth can affect your sleep and oral health? It might seem harmless, but bruxism can silently wear down more than just your enamel; it can affect your smile, your comfort, and ...
Warning Signs Your Child Might Be Grinding Their Teeth
As a parent, you understand how difficult it is to ensure your child is healthy and happy. Regarding their dental health, you may think mostly about teaching them to brush and floss correctly to avoid tooth decay and gum disease. However, did you know many children grind their teeth, especially ...
Best Nightguard for Teeth Grinding in 2022
The best mouthguard for teeth grinding in St. Cloud, FL, is an oral appliance designed by your dentist. We caution against any oral device not fabricated to fit your teeth and gums. And only your dentist can create a mouthguard designed to your unique specifications.
Teeth grinding and clenching, often called ...