Bruxism Treatment in Northville
At The Practice of Periodontist Samir Zakaria, DDS, MSD, we help patients manage bruxism, commonly known as teeth grinding, before it causes lasting damage to their teeth, jaw, and gums.
Request an AppointmentWhat Causes Teeth Grinding?
While many people grind their teeth occasionally, some do it regularly enough to cause real dental problems. Most grinding happens during sleep, which means many patients don’t even realize they’re doing it. Common causes include an abnormal bite, missing teeth, sleep apnea, and stress or anxiety, both during the day and at night.
Signs You May Have Bruxism
Since most grinding happens while you sleep, waking up with a headache or sore jaw is often the first clue. Left unaddressed, chronic grinding can loosen teeth to the point of tooth loss, crack or break teeth, wear tooth structure down significantly, and even change the appearance of your face over time due to jaw strain. If you’re also experiencing jaw pain or discomfort, our bite adjustment page covers a related concern worth discussing at your visit.
How Bruxism Is Treated
The most common and effective solution is a custom-fitted nightguard, which prevents your teeth from grinding against each other while you sleep. If stress is a contributing factor, finding ways to manage it can make a real difference, and in some cases muscle relaxers may help ease jaw tension. Cutting back on caffeine — coffee, soft drinks, and chocolate — as well as alcohol can also reduce grinding, since both are known to make bruxism worse for many patients.
Why Treating Bruxism Matters
Beyond protecting your teeth, treating bruxism helps prevent the kind of chronic jaw strain that can contribute to gum recession and bone loss over time. If you’re already noticing worn or sensitive teeth, it’s worth having your bite evaluated alongside your grinding.
If you have questions about bruxism or think you might be grinding your teeth at night, don’t hesitate to contact us today at (734) 542-9904.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I grind my teeth at night?
Waking up with a headache, sore jaw, or noticing flattened or chipped teeth are common signs of nighttime grinding.
What’s the best treatment for bruxism?
A custom-fitted nightguard is the most common and effective solution, worn while sleeping to prevent teeth from grinding against each other.
Can stress really cause teeth grinding?
Yes, stress and anxiety are common contributors to bruxism, both during the day and at night, and managing stress can help reduce grinding.
Does caffeine make teeth grinding worse?
Yes, caffeine from coffee, soft drinks, and chocolate can worsen bruxism for many patients, as can alcohol consumption.
Can teeth grinding cause permanent damage?
Yes, chronic grinding can loosen or break teeth, wear down tooth structure significantly, and contribute to jaw pain and facial changes if left untreated.
Is bruxism related to sleep apnea?
Teeth grinding is commonly seen in patients with sleep apnea, so it’s worth mentioning any sleep issues during your evaluation.
How do I get a nightguard?
Call our office at (734) 542-9904 to schedule a consultation and have a custom nightguard fitted for your teeth.
