Bruxism—chronic dental grinding and jaw clenching—is a surprisingly common oral health problem that can cause significant dental damage if left untreated. That is why our Mill Valley dentists encourage all of our patients to learn about bruxism, and be proactive about seeking preventive and restorative care. Keep reading to learn more…
Learn To Recognize The Signs
Staying alert for symptoms of bruxism will help you seek prompt treatment if and when you develop dental grinding. Reach out for an assessment if you:
- Wake up with headaches
- Wake up with neck strain or pain
- Experience tooth pain in places where your top and bottom teeth meet
- Have jaw pain or stiffness
- Notice popping or clicking noises in your temporomandibular joints
- Think that your dental enamel is looking thinner or more yellow
- Develop cracks and chips in your enamel
The Underlying Causes & Effective Treatments
Treatments for bruxism, generally speaking, are designed to:
- Protect vulnerable enamel
- Build up enamel strength
- Treat temporomandibular joint damage or dysfunction
- Relax jaw joints and facial muscles
- Improve the way that your top and bottom teeth come together
- Move your lower jaw into a healthier position in relation to your top teeth
The first step, however, is to pinpoint exactly why you are experiencing bruxism in the first place. When you meet with our dental team, we will assess your smile for signs of damage, as well as evaluating your temporomandibular joints. Whether dental grinding is caused by poor bite alignment, jaw damage, or excessive tension, we can help you move forward with a bruxism solution that works for you.
Do you have additional questions about dental grinding? Give our Mill Valley dentists a call, or use the Contact Us page on our website to get started with our team.