Teeth Grinding Treatment

Teeth Grinding Treatment, Winter Garden, Florida

If you experience jaw soreness or pain, or your teeth seem extra sensitive in the morning, you may be grinding your teeth while you sleep. This can also occur unconsciously during the day. Whenever it happens, our dental team at Orange Belt Dental Care is here to help. We provide high-quality care dedicated to protecting your smile.

What is Teeth Grinding?

Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is the involuntary or habitual grinding, gnashing, and clenching of the teeth. It is common and often happens subconsciously during the day and at night.

If you experience chronic teeth grinding, visiting your dentist can help you discover effective solutions, relieve discomfort or pain, and learn strategies to prevent it from worsening.

How is Teeth Grinding Treated?

There are several effective treatments available for teeth grinding. During your dental visit, we ensure you receive care tailored to maintain your smile and health. Your dentist may recommend dental appliances or techniques such as:

• Mouth guards
• Night guards
• Dental splints
• Medication
• Injections
• Physical therapy (massage)

Symptoms of Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding can manifest in different ways for different people. Symptoms are not limited to clenching and grinding; they may also include:

• Lock jaw
• "Clicking" sound
• Worn-down teeth
• Tooth sensitivity
• Jaw pain
• Jaw soreness
• Headaches
• Trouble chewing or talking

If bruxism occurs while you sleep, symptoms can include snoring, sleep talking, and gasping. Even mild symptoms should be evaluated by your dentist. Left untreated, bruxism can worsen jaw pain and harm teeth, gums, and bone. Our team at Orange Belt Dental Care provides focused treatment and care for jaw pain and related teeth-grinding concerns.

What Causes Teeth Grinding?

Teeth grinding affects individuals differently and can have several causes. Common factors include:

• Sleep apnea
• Bite issues/malocclusion
• Stress/anxiety
• Medication
• Health issues (GERD, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's, dementia, etc.)
• Lifestyle (drinking, smoking, drugs, and heavy caffeine intake)

Once your dentist identifies the cause of your teeth grinding, they can suggest the treatment method best suited to your needs.

What Happens if Teeth Grinding Goes Untreated?

When left untreated, teeth grinding may lead to further dental complications and increase the risk of more severe damage. As a result, you could also experience:

• Tooth sensitivity: Consistent grinding weakens and erodes enamel. This exposes dentin and increases sensitivity to sweet, hot, and cold foods.
• Worn-down teeth: When teeth grind against each other, they start to wear down and can result in differently sized teeth.
• Broken or cracked teeth: If grinding or clenching becomes too much, it is possible for teeth to become cracked or broken.
• TMJ/TMD: Bruxism puts stress on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This can damage the joint and cause pain. If pain continues, you may develop a temporomandibular disorder (TMD). TMJ/TMD treatment becomes necessary if teeth grinding leads to the condition.
• Bite issues: If you have a malocclusion or misaligned bite, grinding can worsen your alignment.
• Loose or missing teeth: Chronic teeth grinding can loosen and erode teeth over time. This can also lead to tooth decay and, if untreated, eventual tooth loss.

To prevent further dental problems, see your dentist for bruxism treatment.

Why Choose Orange Belt Dental Care for Teeth Grinding Treatment in Winter Garden, Florida?

Take control of your oral health and prevent serious issues with teeth grinding treatment at Orange Belt Dental Care in Winter Garden, Florida. Our friendly and compassionate team will meet your bruxism needs and relieve pain. Call us at (689) 268-2470 to schedule an appointment. Start your teeth grinding treatment today!