What Is Bruxism?

Bruxism is a condition in which you grind, gnash, or clench your teeth. If you have bruxism, you may unconsciously clench your teeth when you're awake (awake bruxism) or clench or grind them during sleep (sleep bruxism). Sleep bruxism is considered a sleep-related movement disorder. People who clench or grind their teeth during sleep are more likely to have other sleep disorders, such as snoring and pauses in breathing.

Common Symptoms of Bruxism

Mild bruxism may not require treatment, however, in some cases, bruxism can be frequent and severe enough to lead to the following conditions:

• Jaw disorders
• Headaches
• Damaged teeth
• Other oral problems

Since you may have sleep bruxism and are unaware of it until complications develop, it's important to know the signs and symptoms of bruxism and to seek regular dental care. The side effects of teeth grinding can result in many common oral conditions, including:

• Tooth pain
• Cracked, fractured teeth
• Wear & tear
• Flattening or loosening of teeth

How To Treat Bruxism?

If you think you may have bruxism, do not hesitate to reach out to your dentist. Professional advice is the safest way to treat your condition. Generally, the first recommendation of treating bruxism is fabricating a custom nightguard to prevent the teeth from grinding on one another.

Other recommendations may include:

• Avoiding caffeine & alcohol
• Avoiding chewy foods
• Stress-reducing techniques including yoga, meditation, etc.
• Jaw and tongue exercises to relax the mouth

Let us determine the best course of treatment for you, and call our offices in Spring Valley, NY or Paramus, NJ, today!