BruxismProtect your teeth, gums, and jaw from grinding and clenching with comprehensive treatment options.

Jaffe Dental Group

Bruxism Treatments in Brownstown Charter Twp., MI

If you’ve ever woken up in the middle of the night with severe tooth pain or noticed that your jaw is clenched shut in the middle of the day, you may be suffering from bruxism. This common dental condition can affect both children and adults and takes a large toll on the overall functionality of your mouth. Bruxism is the involuntary grinding and clenching of the teeth caused by stress, anxiety, lifestyle habits, and misaligned teeth.

When left unattended, teeth grinding can flatten teeth, increase gum recession, and even cause sleep disruption, headaches, and earaches. At Jaffe Dental Group in Brownstown Charter Twp., MI, we offer comprehensive solutions to manage bruxism, alleviate symptoms, and protect your oral health.

The Process

Understanding Bruxism: Causes and Solutions

Bruxism is a complex condition that has a variety of contributing factors and even more solutions. Whether you grind your teeth in your sleep or clench your jaw in stressful situations, our professionals can offer a comprehensive approach to reduce the severity of your bruxism diagnosis.

For some individuals, implementing stress management techniques and making lifestyle adjustments can be successful in reducing bruxism episodes. For others, dental interventions are required. If your bruxism symptoms mainly occur in the evening, night guards are one of the first suggestions we may make. These add a protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth, preventing further damage caused by grinding and clenching.

In more severe cases where misaligned teeth or improper bite alignment contribute to bruxism, we may recommend orthodontic treatments such as braces or clear aligners to address the underlying issues. We understand that each case is unique, and our goal is to provide personalized solutions tailored to your specific needs.

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Problem Solving

Dental Health Consequences of Untreated Bruxism

If bruxism goes untreated, it can lead to more severe dental consequences, including cracks and fractures of the teeth, worn tooth enamel, and extreme tooth sensitivity. Bruxism may also cause jaw muscle and joint problems, also known as TMJD (temporomandibular joint disorders). These disorders can cause your jaw bones to rub together, oftentimes locking in place, making it difficult (and painful) to open and close your mouth.

At Jaffe Dental Group, we’ll diagnose the underlying causes of your bruxism and develop a personalized treatment plan to address it effectively. If you’ve been experiencing signs and symptoms of bruxism, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Brownstown Charter Twp. dentists today to find a solution that offers long-lasting relief.

Marz Lovejoy standing in front of a mirror posing for the camera

Frequently Asked Questions

Commonly Asked Questions About Bruxism

Can bruxism be prevented?

Unfortunately, there isn’t a one-fix solution for a bruxism diagnosis. You can, however, make lifestyle adjustments to reduce anxiety and stress that often contribute to these symptoms. We recommend limiting your caffeine and alcohol intake to reduce muscle tension and clenching, as well as avoiding smoking.

What’s the difference between bruxism and TMJD?

Bruxism and TMJD share similarities, but the difference between the two lies in the conditions themselves. Bruxism revolves around the grinding and clenching of teeth, while TMJD is associated with dysfunction in the jaw joints and muscles responsible for controlling jaw movement.

It’s important to note that bruxism can often lead to TMJD if not treated correctly.

How do I know if I have bruxism?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, you may be suffering from bruxism and require professional dental attention:

Teeth grinding
Tooth damage
Jaw pain
Disrupted sleep
Overly sensitive teeth
Headaches