Teeth Grinding Treatment
Teeth Grinding Treatment in McAllen, TX
Bruxism is a condition that causes teeth grinding or jaw clenching. This typically occurs subconsciously or while you are asleep. If you suffer from jaw clenching or teeth grinding in McAllen, TX, you may develop painful symptoms and complications, like jaw pain, worn down teeth, jaw stiffness, difficulty sleeping or interrupted sleep, cracked or damaged teeth, or trouble eating or speaking. At Xpress Dental, we can determine the underlying cause of your bruxism and design a treatment for bruxism and teeth grinding that helps you get back to your normal life, pain-free.
What Is Bruxism?
Bruxism occurs when you clench your jaw, grind your teeth, or gnash your teeth. This condition can occur while you are sleeping or subconsciously while you’re awake. Over time, this can put stress and strain on your jaw and teeth. This may cause symptoms like tooth damage, jaw pain, headaches, stiffness, and trouble eating, speaking, or sleeping. Without treatment, you may develop lasting complications like chronic pain and permanent tooth damage.
What Are the Symptoms of Bruxism?
The symptoms of bruxism can vary from person to person and may range from mild to severe. The most common symptoms of bruxism are:
- Jaw pain and tenderness
- Facial pain and tenderness
- Jaw or face inflammation
- Pain when chewing, eating, or speaking
- Pain when moving your jaw or opening and closing your mouth
- Earaches
- Headaches or migraines
- Ringing in your ears
- Wear and tear to your teeth
- Tooth damage, such as cracked, chipped, or broken teeth
How to Stop Grinding Your Teeth at Night
Some people experience subconscious bruxism during the day when they are stressed or experiencing anxiety and are focusing intently on a task, problem, or thought process. You may be able to alleviate symptoms by reducing stress, visiting a therapist for cognitive behavioral therapy, or taking anti-anxiety medications, antidepressants, or muscle relaxers. If you grind your teeth at night, you may not realize it is happening, which can result in major damage to your teeth and jaw. Nighttime teeth grinding requires professional intervention and treatment from a specialist.
What Is the Best Treatment for Bruxism Teeth Grinding?
If you have severe bruxism or your bruxism has caused major symptoms or complications, you need professional treatment from a specialist. Dr. Tan has decades of experience evaluating bruxism, taking digital x-rays, exploring its underlying causes, and designing personalized treatment plans. He may combine multiple treatment options to relieve your symptoms, help you overcome stress, and help you improve your sleep habits:
- Mouth Guards – A custom mouth guard can protect your teeth if you grind your teeth at night. It can also improve the position of your jaw while you sleep, which can reduce the risk of jaw or teeth clenching.
- Stress Management Techniques—Managing stress and anxiety can reduce the risk of teeth grinding and clenching. You should consider techniques like therapy, meditation, yoga and exercise, mindfulness practices, journaling, and deep breathing.
- Medication – Medication can relieve pain and discomfort, reduce stress and tension, and prevent teeth grinding. You may be prescribed pain medication, an antidepressant, a muscle relaxer, or anti-anxiety medication.
- Physical and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – Physical therapy can relieve pain and discomfort caused by jaw and teeth clenching and teeth grinding. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help you recognize early signs of stress and develop coping mechanisms, making you less likely to clench your jaw or grind your teeth.
- Lifestyle Changes – We may recommend that you make certain lifestyle changes to reduce your risk of bruxism, such as avoiding caffeine, limiting alcohol intake, and quitting smoking.
Should You Consider a Mouth Guard for Grinding Teeth?
You should consider a mouth guard or gum shield for grinding teeth if you have symptoms that are persistent, severe, or are interfering with your health or quality of life. Because bruxism can be a symptom of underlying stress or strain and can cause major complications if untreated, we recommend a multi-pronged approach to treatment. A custom mouth guard can protect your teeth and jaw so that you don’t risk permanent damage to your teeth or chronic pain.
Schedule a Consultation for Teeth Grinding
Call us today or contact us online to schedule a consultation for treatment for bruxism and teeth grinding in McAllen, TX. Dr. Tan and our team at Xpress Dental can determine the cause of your bruxism and the extent of your symptoms or complications. We will then determine the most effective method of bruxism treatment.