If you’ve been experiencing jaw pain, it’s possible that you’re one of the many people who suffer from dental grinding. This condition, called “bruxism,” can cause a lot of discomfort, which is why it’s so important to get the facts on what it is and how to treat it. Our O’Fallon dental team is here to help, so keep reading for more information.
The term “bruxism” refer to the chronic behavior of clenching the jaw, grinding the teeth, or shifting the lower jaw back and forth. You may exhibit these symptoms only sporadically, or in times of stress. Or, you may be someone who grinds there teeth at night, without even realizing it.
No matter how, specifically, it manifests, dental bruxism can take a toll on your oral health. That’s why we encourage you to stay alert for signs of bruxism in your daily life, including:
- discomfort around the back molars
- jaw/neck/upper back pain
- popping or clicking sensations when you move your jaw
- chronic headaches, especially in the morning when you wake up
- jaw and neck stiffness
If you do exhibit bruxism-related symptoms, there are steps we can take to help you minimize bruxism-related damage and discomfort. Every treatment plan is personalized, but here are some common goal of bruxism care:
- improve mobility and comfort using facial stretches
- protect natural dental enamel with nighttime oral appliances
- refine bite alignment so that top and bottom teeth meet comfortably and evenly
- improve bite surfaces with restorative materials like composite resin and ceramic
We hope that this information helps you make empowered decisions when it comes to your own dental health. You can always learn more from our O’Fallon bruxism dentists by phone or through our website. We look forward to speaking with you!