Bruxism is the clinical term for habitual teeth grinding and clenching. Maybe you’ve heard the word before from Dr. Stryker or someone on his team. Or maybe someone you love has the condition. Bruxism isn’t something to take lightly. It can cause serious problems with your teeth and jaw if you don’t seek treatment. 

Read on to learn more.

All About Bruxism

Persistent teeth grinding, clenching, or bracing of the jaw muscles is not a normal functional movement like biting or chewing. It’s a subconscious action, often brought on by stress or anxiety. If you experience bruxism, you may notice painful tension in your jaw or facial muscles, especially in the morning, just after waking.

Bruxism can happen while you’re awake or asleep, and certain conditions, like sleep apnea, that make it harder to get restful sleep, can make it worse. Medications for depression, seizures, and ADHD can also contribute to bruxism. 

Some of the common symptoms of bruxism include:

• Jaw pain and stiffness
• Tension headaches
• Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet
• Worn, chipped, or cracked teeth
• Ear pain
• Loose teeth

How We Can Help

To treat your bruxism, we may recommend a mouthguard, or nightguard, to protect your teeth from damage. A mouthguard is a special plastic appliance that fits snugly over your top or bottom teeth, preventing them from making direct contact with the opposing teeth. Whether you wear your mouthguard during the day or at night, it significantly reduces the risk of chips, cracks, breakage, premature wear, and the other harmful oral health effects of bruxism. 

Personalized Protection

When you get a mouthguard from us, it’s fully customized to your unique smile. Your mouthguard will fit perfectly and feel comfortable in your mouth. With a custom mouthguard, you know you’re getting the highest level of protection possible. We can make a professional-grade mouthguard for you, your partner, or your child to keep teeth healthy and intact. 

If you or someone you love experiences nighttime or daytime teeth grinding, don’t wait; call our office located in North Huntingdon, PA today. We’ll schedule an appointment for a consultation and comprehensive examination to determine if a custom mouthguard can help.