Overcome Headaches, Jaw Pain, and Dental Damage with Teeth Grinding Treatment

Do you grind your teeth at night? You might not think too much about this poor oral habit, but chronic teeth grinding (bruxism) can rear its ugly head on your smile and oral health. Even your sleep!  Bruxism often causes constant headaches, jaw pain, dental damage, and other unpleasant symptoms. 

Fortunately, you don’t have to let bruxism lower your quality of life. Sarasota Center for General Dentistry offers effective bruxism treatments to ensure you lead a pain-free lifestyle. Schedule an appointment today with Dr. Francisco Marcano to improve your smile and oral health.

What is bruxism? How do I know I have bruxism?

Bruxism is the involuntary grinding of teeth. This poor oral habit happens at night when sleeping, but a few patients suffer from daytime bruxism, called clenching. In fact, studies have shown that up to 80% of clenching happens during the day. Regardless of your bruxism type, this condition has numerous unpleasant symptoms.

Some include.

  • Constant headaches and earaches
  • Jaw pain and soreness
  • Disrupted sleep patterns
  • Worn-down tooth enamel
  • Tooth pain and sensitivity
  • TMJ-related symptoms
  • Tooth loss and gum recession for severe cases
  • Broken fillings, crowns and teeth

If you have bruxism, have it treated right away because it won’t resolve itself. In fact, the condition is likely to get worse. If left untreated, bruxism will wear down your teeth, causing cavities and enamel fractures. If the tooth is severely damaged, you may need a root canal or extraction.

Treatment options for bruxism

What causes bruxism? Several things, as it turns out. Stress, misaligned teeth, and sleep disorders like sleep apnea can cause you to grind your teeth all night. Furthermore, certain medications (like antidepressants) and poor lifestyle choices (like drug abuse) can cause bruxism. 

Teeth grinding may not seem like a big deal initially, but it's a serious condition. Dr. Marcano can diagnose bruxism during a routine exam. When we notice signs of cracked, flattened, or loose teeth, we'll "dig" further to establish whether you have bruxism and its likely cause. 

A custom orthotic appliance is usually the first-line treatment for bruxism. An occlusal orthotic acts as a protective barrier between the lower and upper teeth, reducing the impact of teeth grinding. Patients who use bruxism orthotics, as directed by Dr. Marcano, often report reduced headaches, improved sleep, and better quality of life.

Other treatment options for bruxism

Several factors can cause bruxism, so don't expect a one-size-fits-all solution. Depending on the cause, Dr. Marcano can complement/substitute oral appliance therapy with.

  • Stress management techniques
  • Orthodontic treatment
  • Jaw rehabilitation exercises
  • Lifestyle changes, including soft foods, quitting recreational drugs, avoiding gum chewing, etc.
  • Muscle relaxants

Bruxism treatment in Sarasota, Florida

Do you suspect that you grind or clench your teeth? Schedule an appointment with Sarasota Center for General Dentistry for bruxism treatment. Call (941) 900-3555 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Marcano.