Many people grind their teeth occasionally. This does not usually cause harm, but when teeth grinding happens on a regular basis, teeth can be damaged, and oral health problems may arise. If chronic teeth grinding is left untreated, your teeth may become fractured or loose, or they may even fall out. Teeth grinding can also affect your jaws, cause hearing loss, or cause or worsen temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ/TMD).

What Causes Teeth Grinding?

The following factors may cause teeth grinding:

  • Stress and anxiety
  • A misaligned bite
  • Missing teeth
  • Crooked teeth
  • Sleep disorders

Signs of Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding often happens at night while you are sleeping. Because of this, you may not even realize you have a problem. If you notice any of the following symptoms, ask Dr. Michael Wilhite about treatments for teeth grinding:

  • Dull headaches
  • A sore jaw
  • Painful or loose teeth
  • Cracked or broken teeth

Our dentist will examine your mouth and jaw for signs of teeth grinding, like irregularities in your teeth and jaw tenderness. Dr. Mike may recommend an occlusal guard to prevent your teeth from grinding at night. We invite you to contact Davidson Cosmetic & Family Dentistry today at 704-987-2277 to learn more about teeth grinding in Davidson, North Carolina, and schedule a consultation with our dentist.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)

What is teeth grinding?

Teeth grinding, also called bruxism, is the clenching or grinding of teeth, often during sleep or times of stress. Our dentist can evaluate signs of grinding and recommend treatment to help protect your teeth and reduce related discomfort.

What are the signs of teeth grinding?

Common signs include worn teeth, jaw soreness, headaches, tooth sensitivity, and facial tension. Some patients also notice clicking in the jaw or interrupted sleep. Our dentist can identify signs of grinding during an exam and recommend the right treatment.

How is teeth grinding treated?

Teeth grinding treatment depends on the cause and severity of the problem. Our dentist may recommend an occlusal guard, bite evaluation, or other therapies to reduce pressure on the teeth and jaw while helping prevent further damage.

Why is treatment for teeth grinding important?

Without treatment, teeth grinding can lead to worn enamel, cracked teeth, jaw pain, and muscle tension. Our dentist can help protect your smile and reduce the long-term effects of bruxism with a treatment plan tailored to your symptoms.