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Teeth Grinding

Bruxism is a habit of grinding or clenching the teeth. Clenching means you tightly hold your top and bottom teeth together. Grinding is when you slide your teeth back and forth over each other. Bruxism can happen in children and adults of any age.

Many people with bruxism wake themselves up during the night with a loud clenching or grinding sound. Sometimes the sound is so loud that other people can hear it. For other people, bruxism may be silent.

People who suffer from bruxism may have one or more of these symptoms:

  • headache or earache
  • sore jaw
  • jaw clicking
  • frequent toothaches
  • sensitive teeth
  • facial pain
  • worn or cracked teeth or fillings
  • tongue indentations
  • insomnia (trouble sleeping)

What causes bruxism?

The causes of bruxism are not known for certain. Stress, sleep disorders and an abnormal bite are some things that may play a role.

Your dentist can diagnose bruxism by checking for unusual wear spots on your teeth and looking at any related symptoms. Regular dental checkups are important to find damage in the early stages. Your dentist can help you manage bruxism and the related symptoms, as well as repair your teeth if necessary and help prevent further damage.

How is bruxism treated?

Treatment depends on each person’s situation. Your dentist may recommend one or more treatments, such as the following:

  • stress reduction methods
  • a protective nightguard worn over the teeth while sleeping
  • medication for pain or muscle spasms
  • exercises to relax jaw muscles
  • fillings or other dental treatment to repair damaged teeth

Your dentist may recommend that you wear a nightguard during sleep. Nightguards are custom-made by your dentist from plastic or acrylic. The nightguard slips over the upper or lower teeth and prevents them from touching. It protects teeth and helps keep them from wearing down.

Since bruxism has many causes, you may need to try a few different treatments to find out what works for you. You can help manage bruxism by paying attention to the symptoms, having regular dental visits and talking with your dentist.

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Kyle S.

Dr. DeShetler does a really good job. My visits have been easy, comfortable, and informative. He doesn’t recommend any unnecessary work which I’ve experienced with other dentists. I’ve had 2 fillings and I was surprised how painless the procedure was.

Richard W.

Extremely friendly staff, most helpful. Very professional and thorough, explains options in layman’s terms. Non pressure caring environment. Hadn’t been to a Dentist in 5 years, but will definitely be back every 6 months just because I feel a general concern for the health of my mouth and my overall well being.

Delores S.

I found my dental experience as pleasant as can be expected with having the amount of work I had done. Dr DeShetler is very up to the latest in knowledge and equipment. His staff are a cheerful, friendly group, who enjoy their jobs. This makes the experience a good one.

Valerie R.

His office staff is always friendly and courteous. Like Dr. DeShetler himself, they take pride in their work and make your dental health their #1 priority. I give Dr. DeShetler and his office staff my highest recommendation.

Lifetime Patient

The entire team at doctor DeShetlers as well as doctor DeShetler himself is remarkable, very professional and well-informed and has made me feel very comfortable and as if I was part of the family, I wouldn’t go anyplace else. There are just not enough kind words in our dictionary to express my devotion to doctor

Mattie C.

Every time I visit the office for my dental work. I leave feeling valued as a patient. The entire staff are excellent at what they do. They help me to relax, because I am mess with nerves when I sit in the chair. AWESOME! So, if you are looking for a staff that knows how

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I always have a good experience coming to the office. Have new products and always accommodate patient with their schedule whenever possible. Office staff are always friendly and welcoming.

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