Do your teeth hurt when you wake up? Does your jaw ache with soreness? Headache too? You are probably grinding your teeth during sleep.

Bruxism is common. It is often provoked by anxiety or emotional traumas. It can also involve obstructive sleep apnea or TMD (Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction), which affects breathing. An abnormal bite, crooked teeth or even antidepressants may promote nocturnal tooth grinding too.

Grinding is worsened by stress

By lowering your stress levels with meditating and exercising, you can help yourself. Ingesting alcohol and smoking cigarettes are to be avoided. 

The professional treatment is to be fitted with a custom mouth guard or dental appliance. You wear the appliance while sleeping. You still need to reduce your stress level, but in the meantime you will reduce damage to your teeth.

If you think you have Tooth Grinding/Bruxism, contact our office and schedule a consultation. We are happy to help you.