Relieve Pain and Protect Your Smile with Teeth Grinding Treatment

Do you wake up with headaches or jaw soreness? Or perhaps you have flattened, chipped, or fractured teeth? The culprit could be chronic teeth grinding, technically called bruxism. Teeth grinding is destructive, but it’s a condition that goes unnoticed because of its silent nature.

Do you suspect teeth grinding? Protect your smile today by seeking treatment at Champlain Smile Solutions. Drs. Matthew and Kay Giulianelli offer custom nightguards to treat bruxism in South Burlington, Vermont.

What is bruxism?

It’s the involuntary clenching and grinding of teeth when sleeping, although some people experience awake bruxism. Occasional teeth grinding is normal, but when it happens day after day, it starts a destructive cycle in your mouth. 

Bruxism patients aren’t aware they have the condition until a bed partner hears grinding noises at night or the dentist notices signs of dental wear during a dental exam. Untreated bruxism causes several symptoms. 

Some include:

  • Oral Pain: Toothaches and sensitivity can be a symptom of teeth grinding. Any tooth pain should be investigated by the dentist to establish the root cause. 
  • Tooth damage: When you grind your teeth without food in between, the pressure exerted can be damaging. Persistent teeth grinding causes tooth damage, resulting in chipped, broken, or flattened enamel.
  • Jaw disorders: Involuntary teeth grinding stresses the jaw joints, causing pain, locked jaws, and popping sounds. 
  • Headaches: If you experience unexplained headaches, especially when you wake up, the cause could be nighttime grinding. 
  • Disrupted sleep: Teeth grinding causes fragmented sleep patterns, resulting in overall restlessness. 
  • Tooth loss: Severe bruxism causes serious tooth damage, which eventually causes tooth loss. 

Tooth grinding can diminish your quality of life. Tooth damage makes it difficult to enjoy chewing and speaking without pain or sensitivity. Teeth grinding can also lead to costly repairs, including crowns, root canals, and dental implants. Don’t wait for damage to occur. Take control of your bruxism today with effective treatment from a South Burlington dentist.

What are the causes of teeth grinding?

Several factors can cause teeth grinding. The common ones include: 

  • Stress and anxiety: Most people clench and grind their teeth as a coping mechanism for stress and tension. 
  • Lifestyle: Smoking, alcohol, and substance use increase the risk of teeth grinding. 
  • Sleep disorders: Patients with sleep disorders like sleep apnea will likely clench or grind their teeth. 
  • Medications: Antidepressants and other medications can induce teeth grinding. 
  • Misaligned teeth: Poor occlusion causes uneven distribution of bite forces. This imbalance can lead to excessive pressure on specific teeth, prompting the jaw muscles to grind or clench as they attempt to correct the misalignment.

How do we treat teeth grinding?

A dental exam will reveal whether you grind and clench your teeth. Our dentist will likely recommend a nightguard to protect your smile from teeth grinding. This removable, customized appliance creates a barrier between the lower and upper teeth, cushioning your smile from damage. 

Beyond nightguards, prevention through lifestyle changes is crucial. Our dentist will recommend stress management techniques and cutting back on smoking and alcohol to manage teeth grinding.

Do you need teeth grinding treatment near Burlington?

Teeth grinding can undo years of good dental care. If you suspect bruxism, take action today! Call Champlain Smile Solutions at (802) 899-9486 for effective teeth-grinding solutions in South Burlington, VT, and the nearby locations.