Our general dentist can help reduce the effects of teeth grinding, also known as bruxism. Most people who grind their teeth tend to be unaware of their habit because it mainly occurs during sleep. Grinding your teeth occasionally due to being anxious or stressed out typically does not cause noticeable damage to teeth, but doing it regularly can lead to teeth structures being worn down.
Signs that you might grind your teeth at night include headaches and a sore jaw. It is also a loud habit, so you might get complaints if you share a room with someone. Other symptoms of bruxism include:
Teeth grinding is considered to be an unconscious response to anxiety or stress. People who grind their teeth while awake often do so due to emotional or stressful situations. Some also grind their teeth when concentrating on a task.
Teeth grinding that occurs during sleep is more common than daytime bruxism. It is the body’s unconscious reaction to stress that has carried over from the person's awake state.
Risk factors that can trigger nighttime bruxism include the heavy consumption of caffeine, alcohol, or nicotine. Teeth grinding can also be caused by sleep disorders, like sleep apnea. Age is a risk factor because children are more likely to grind their teeth than adults. Most of them grow out of it by the time they reach adulthood, though.
A person’s personality type can also increase their risk of teeth grinding. For example, people with hyperactive, aggressive personalities are more likely to grind their teeth.
Our general dentist addresses teeth grinding by providing patients with a custom night guard that minimizes the forces placed on their teeth while grinding. These devices look like the mouthguards that athletes wear when playing contact sports.
The night guard is made from an impression created when the patient bites down on a mold. The impression is sent to a lab where technicians make oral appliances like nightguards. The process usually takes a couple of weeks.
Wearing a nightguard can significantly reduce the risk of the patient’s teeth being damaged due to teeth grinding. The dentist also helps by educating the patient on how habits like heavy caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco consumption can make teeth grinding worse.
The dentist might also show the patient relaxation techniques that they can perform before going to bed, to reduce any stress or anxiety that might be affecting their bruxism. Teeth grinding can be tricky to treat, but a nightguard can reduce its effects.
Here are the answers to frequently asked questions about teeth grinding, the damage that it causes, and how to reduce its effects.
There are a several reasons that people grind their teeth. It could be due to stress, misaligned teeth, or sleep disorders. It can also be due to unresolved anger or emotional issues. Using recreational drugs can also lead to teeth grinding. If a patient thinks that they might be clenching or grinding their teeth, they should consult with a dentist to find out the cause.
The most common symptom of bruxism is waking up with a headache or sore jaw. The patient might also observe that their teeth feel more sensitive than usual. Teeth grinding can also damage teeth enamel, leading to issues like chipped and broken teeth. This increases a person’s risk of tooth decay because enamel protects the more sensitive layers of teeth.
Over time, tooth grinding can damage the teeth and lead to tooth decay. It can also cause headaches, jaw pain, and earache. Bruxism wears down the teeth over time, and it can flatten their biting surfaces, hindering one's ability to grind down food.
An effective way for a patient to stop grinding their teeth is for them to see a dentist or another healthcare professional, who can help determine the cause of the patient's tooth grinding and offer treatment options. In the meantime, patients should try to avoid chewing on hard objects (like ice or candy) and relax their jaw when they're feeling stressed.
Our general dentist can help minimize the effects of teeth grinding by providing you with a custom nightguard. Call or visit our Santa Monica clinic to set up an appointment with our dentist.
Request an appointment here: https://www.pacificviewsmilecenter.com or call Pacific View Smile Center at (310) 304-1854 for an appointment in our Santa Monica office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentist in Santa Monica, CA.
A general dentist strengthens community oral health through professional fluoride applications that harden enamel, neutralize early decay, and create a barrier against future acid attacks. Regular office visits allow the general dentist to deliver targeted fluoride concentrations unavailable in over-the-counter products, ensuring each patient gains maximum cavity resistance with minimal chair time. Understanding how professionally…
General dentist support eases anxious minds and guides comfortable care delay avoidance. Dental anxiety affects many people, often causing harmful postponement of routine checkups. Understanding why fear arises and learning proven coping strategies can empower every patient to enter the dental office with confidence.According to a 2017 article published in the Journal of Dental Hygiene…
A general dentist provides the essential care needed to keep a smile healthy, functional, and free from pain through every stage of life. It is recommended to see a dentist every six months for effective care. However, other reasons to book an appointment include tooth sensitivity and pain, as well as bleeding gums while brushing.…
A general dentist relies on digital X-rays as a critical diagnostic tool to evaluate oral health, detect issues early, and guide treatment decisions. These high-resolution images offer detailed insight into structures not visible during a routine visual exam, making them essential for both preventive and restorative care. Digital X-rays are safer, faster, and more comfortable…
Optimal oral health is possible through regular visits at a dental practice and personal oral hygiene practices. The main goal of an ideal dental practice is to have their patients extend the level of oral care that they provide. Through regular oral care practices, dental patients can help control or even prevent serious oral diseases.…
Oral surgery is a vital component of dental care, used to address complex oral health issues that require more than just routine dental procedures. While many people are familiar with dental cleanings and fillings, oral surgery becomes necessary when more invasive intervention is required. Understanding when oral surgery is necessary will help patients recognize the…