Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) Treatment
Muscle Shoals, AL
 Teeth grinding is known medically as bruxism. This common condition affects millions of people around the world. Bruxism is the involuntary clenching or grinding of teeth. Many dismiss this unconscious habit as a minor inconvenience, but teeth grinding can lead to dental, muscular, or neurological damage if left untreated.
Fortunately, there are many treatment options available to address both the symptoms and root causes of the condition. If you are suffering from bruxism, come in to Singing River Dentistry in Muscle Shoals, AL, to see us for an exam.
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Causes and Types of Teeth Grinding
Stress and anxiety are the most common triggers of teeth clenching and grinding. Emotional tension often manifests physically. Other potential causes of bruxism are misaligned teeth, sleep disorders, and the use of stimulants. The reduction of caffeine consumption is often a very effective part of our comprehensive treatment strategy.
Bruxism can be classified into two types. Clenching or grinding the teeth during the day is called awake bruxism. Awake bruxism happens while you are awake, and is typically triggered by emotional or physical stress. Teeth grinding at night is referred to as sleep bruxism. Sleep bruxism occurs during rest and is often linked to disruptions in the sleep cycle. Recognizing the specific type of bruxism is critical to tailor an effective treatment plan.
Symptoms and Complications
One of the challenges in diagnosis and treatment of bruxism is that many people are unaware that they grind their teeth in their sleep. Common symptoms include worn or flattened teeth, increased tooth sensitivity, jaw pain, headaches, and tension in the neck or shoulders. Chronic, untreated cases of bruxism may lead to complications such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, tooth fractures, and sleep disruption for patients, as well as their partners.
Early detection helps us to minimize tooth damage and avoid long term complications. Sleep partners often inform patients of their nighttime teeth grinding. Our team can identify the signs of bruxism, such as unusual wear patterns on the teeth, or pain in the jaw muscles during routine check ups.
Occlusal Splints and Night Mouth Guards
A fast, effective, and direct way to protect the teeth from damage caused by teeth grinding is the use of occlusal splints or night mouth guards. We custom fit these devices to provide a barrier between the upper and lower teeth, which prevents further wear and reduces tension in the jaw.
Occlusal splints are typically made from hard, durable materials and are designed to stabilize the jaw completely. They alleviate strain on the temporomandibular joint and reduce the pain from teeth grinding. Night mouth guards are often softer and more flexible, which makes them ideal for mild cases of bruxism, or for patients who prefer a more comfortable option.
Please note that these appliances do not address the underlying causes of bruxism; however, they are an essential tool to manage symptoms and to prevent long term tooth damage.
Botox Injections for Bruxism
Botox injections are an increasingly popular treatment for severe cases of bruxism. This treatment is an injection of botulinum toxin into the masseter muscles that control the jaw. Botox temporarily weakens these muscles, and reduces their ability to exert excessive force. This alleviates pain and helps protect the teeth and jaw from further damage. Many patients find that Botox injections are a quick and minimally invasive solution, especially after other treatments have not been effective.
It's important to note that the effects of Botox are temporary, and typically last three to six months. Regular treatments are necessary to maintain results.
Muscle Relaxants for Jaw Tension
In cases where muscle tension contributes to bruxism, muscle relaxants may be prescribed. These medications relax the jaw and reduce the likelihood of jaw clenching or teeth grinding.
Muscle relaxants are particularly useful for individuals with sleep bruxism, as they can be taken before bedtime. However, muscle relaxants are not a long term solution and must be used under medical supervision to avoid dependency and side effects.
Stress Management
Stress management is the foundation of bruxism treatment because stress and anxiety are often the root cause of the condition.
Relaxation
Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga may help to reduce stress levels and minimize teeth grinding. Simple mindfulness, the awareness of daytime clenching and grinding, often reduces this unconscious habit.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive behavioral therapy is another effective approach that addresses stress related bruxism. This form of therapy helps patients identify and modify the thought patterns that lead to teeth and jaw clenching and grinding. Bruxism is often best controlled by addressing the root causes.
Exercise
Regular physical exercise is another effective tool to manage stress and anxiety, which helps to prevent teeth clenching and grinding. Exercise promotes the release of endorphins, which are natural stress relievers. Coupled with mindfulness practices, this holistic approach reduces bruxism symptoms, and improves overall well being.
Lifestyle Adjustments For Prevention
Making simple lifestyle changes are effective for bruxism management. The first adjustment we recommend is that patients reduce their consumption of stimulants such as caffeine and alcohol. In addition, when patients establish a regular sleep routine and practice good sleep hygiene, this helps manage sleep bruxism, and patients, as well as their partners have a more, restful sleep.
Dental Treatments and Orthodontic Solutions
In some cases, teeth grinding is caused by misaligned teeth. Dental treatments such as crowns, braces, or reshaping of the tooth surfaces may be used to correct these issues, and reduce teeth grinding. Orthodontic solutions are particularly beneficial for younger patients with misaligned teeth that cause grinding. When we address the root causes, treatments provide long term relief.
Your Dentist in Muscle Shoals, AL Can Help With Bruxism!
In some cases, a specialist in TMJ disorders or sleep medicine may be necessary. Comprehensive care of bruxism often combines dental treatments, medical interventions, and behavioral therapies. Occasional teeth grinding may not require immediate intervention, but persistent, chronic, severe cases of bruxism require immediate attention. If you experience jaw pain, tooth sensitivity, headaches, sleep disturbances, or have noticed unusual wear on your teeth, please call Singing River Dentistry at 256-712-3186 schedule an evaluation.
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