Bruxism Tigard, OR
Bruxism, also known as nighttime teeth grinding, is a common disorder in which a person unconsciously grinds their teeth. Although it can happen at any time, teeth grinding during sleep is particularly troubling and damaging to your health since a person is not aware of it happening.
At Tigard Family Dental, Dr. Travis Cochell and Dr. Cochell, we can help you understand and identify the symptoms and causes of bruxism and provide you with the right treatment to get rid of this condition.
Symptoms of Bruxism
Bruxism has a varying range of symptoms and side effects and we encourage you to take note of these issues so that we can give you the appropriate treatment for them.
Some of the common signs of bruxism include:
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Jaw pain and stiffness
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Headaches
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Discomfort when opening and closing or moving the jaw
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Clicking, popping, and grating noise when moving the jaw
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Lesions and bites on the inside of the cheek and tongue
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Fractured teeth and worn enamel
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Cracked or broken dental restorations, including crowns, fillings, and bridges
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Restless sleep
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Teeth misalignment
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Joint dislocation and inflammation in extreme cases. |
As a person who suffers from bruxism, you may not experience all of the above symptoms and side effects. However, if you complain frequently of a few of these issues, it may be an indication of bruxism and we strongly advise you to consult us as soon as possible.
Causes of Bruxism
There is no exact cause of bruxism; however, medical experts believe that the condition may be a result of certain contributing factors and co-occurring diseases like heightened stress, genetics, dental problems like gapped teeth, neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease, and a side effect to certain psychosis medications.
Nighttime Mouthguard for Treatment of Bruxism
A lot of times bruxism is only temporary and resolves on its own when its trigger, like stress, is removed. However, if your condition is chronic, we can recommend some non-invasive treatments for you including the use of custom-fitted nighttime mouthguards.
These mouthguards are uniquely designed to fit the exact contours of your teeth and reduce the pressure on your jaw when you grind your teeth. Nighttime mouthguards are worn at bedtime so that if your condition is triggered during sleep, your teeth stay separated from each other and the pressure is buffered. This prevents the development of temporomandibular joint disorders as well as damage to the teeth.
Various nighttime mouthguards are available:
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Stock mouthguards can be bought from any pharmacy but they are ill-fitting and uncomfortable and may cause even more damage to your oral health.
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Boil-and-bite mouthguards have to be boiled in water so that they become soft and mold to your teeth.
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Custom-made mouthguards at Tigard Family Dental are of the best quality. These mouthguards are made from high-grade BPA-free plastic and offer superior comfort and durability. |
If your bruxism is caused by misaligned teeth, we can straighten them with aligners, braces, or other orthodontic treatments, to get rid of the issue.
Bruxism can be very damaging to your teeth and jaw so you should get treatment for it as soon as you notice it. Schedule an appointment with us by calling (971) 762-1262 so that we can help you get safe and effective treatment for the condition. |