Teeth Grinding

About Teeth Grinding

Some patients develop a habit of grinding their teeth, either during the day or night. In many cases, the abrasive action occurs only during sleep, and for only a few seconds at a time. If you wake up with a sore jaw or a morning headache, chances are you're grinding your teeth during the night. In some patients, enlarged jaw muscles develop on the sides of the face from this nighttime grinding. These muscles are the strongest in the body, which means they can do a lot of unnecessary damage. The compressive forces can also weaken the intricate jaw joints on one or both sides. Damage to the joints may lead to arthritic changes, chronic pain, and popping or clicking. Once these changes settle in, reversing their condition may become impossible.

Signature Smiles Can Help

If you're waking up with a sore jaw or headaches, or you've noticed chips or flattening of your teeth, a consultation is recommended. The sooner the problem receives attention, the less damage there will be. Often a carefully calibrated night guard will eliminate the symptoms while protecting your precious enamel. Dr. Sharma and Dr. Rangi will analyze your bite and make sure they're moving against each other properly when you chew. Regardless of the cause, eliminating the strain on the jaw and your teeth as quickly as possible can save you money and time spent in the dental chair.