If you grind your teeth at night, you may be damaging your tooth enamel. Call Dr. Beth Messinger and Dr. Jason Broth at Harbor Family Dental in Roslyn, NY & Northshore Long Island, NY to discuss night guards and other treatments for clenching and grinding teeth.

Why Is It Bad To Grind Your Teeth?

Grinding your teeth is called Bruxism. There are a few reasons someone might grind their teeth, usually stress, sleep disorders, a misaligned bite, or allergies. Grinding or clenching your teeth over and over again can result in damage to the teeth, including cracks and chips in the enamel, receding gums, and tooth loss.

These conditions can result in painful symptoms like sensitivity to hot and cold, persistent pain and throbbing, headaches, and ear, back, and shoulder pain. This kind of tension affects the entire body, and it can cause irreversible damage to your teeth. 

What Can Your Dentist Do For You?

Your dentist in Roslyn, NY & Northshore Long Island, NY would do an evaluation of any health conditions and life circumstances that may be causing you to clench or grind your teeth. They will also consider symptoms of bruxism like tooth damage and tender jaws. Examinations will help rule out other conditions that may produce similar symptoms.

 After your dentist determines that the cause of your pain is bruxism, they may make referrals to other specialists to help treat the root of the issue. For example, if your teeth grinding is a result of a sleep disorder, they will refer you to a sleep specialist. 

If the person is an adult not likely to outgrow bruxism and the condition is severe, the dentist may suggest ways to fix the problem. Some ways a dentist might fix bruxism are:

  • Splints and night guards - designed to act as a cushion between the top and bottom teeth.
  • Dental procedures - If the root of the grinding is a dental issue, correcting this may eliminate the grinding.
  • Medication - Suggesting muscle relaxers, anti-anxiety medication, or occasionally, an injection may help reduce the compulsion to clench your teeth.
  • Stress management - If the condition is caused by anxiety, treating the anxiety through a therapist or at-home coping mechanisms can reduce grinding.

To get relief from the painful symptoms of tooth grinding and to protect your teeth with night guards or other methods, call Dr. Messinger and Dr. Broth at Harbor Family Dental in Roslyn, NY & Northshore Long Island, NY at (516) 621-7566, today.

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Monday
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