Woodstock, GA: Dentist: Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

Bruxism, otherwise known as teeth grinding, is when you clench (tightly hold your top and bottom teeth together) or grind (slide your teeth back and forth over each other) your teeth, that may or may not cause harm.  When teeth clenching or grinding occurs on a regular basis the teeth may become damaged and possible other possible oral health issues may develop.

People may clench and grind their teeth without being aware of it during both the day and night.  When it is sleep-related, bruxism is often the bigger problem because of the lack of control.  Because it does occur during sleep most people are unaware of the problem until symptoms begin to arise.  While some of these symptoms are headaches or a sore jaw, they are masked by other factors such as too much stress, inability to relax, misalignment of the teeth, or even ones posture or diet.[1]

The cause of bruxism is not completely agreed upon, but daily stress may be the precipitant in many cases.  The clenching the teeth may be brought on by anxiety, stress or depression.  Other symptoms may include ear aches, insomnia and/or sensitivity in the teeth.[2]  The clenching or grinding puts pressure on the muscles, tissues, and other structures around your jaw. The symptoms may develop into temporomandibular joint problems, commonly referred to as TMJ.

If you suspect you may be grinding your teeth, talk to your dentist.  An examination can rule out other disorders that may cause similar jaw pain or ear pain, including:

• Dental disorders
• Ear disorders such as ear infections
• Problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)

Your dentist can examine your mouth and jaw for signs of bruxism, such as jaw tenderness and abnormalities in your teeth.  If it is diagnosed as night grinding, you can be fitted with a mouth or night guard (a splint) to prevent further damage to your teeth and other issues mentioned above.  The varying types of splints may prevent clenching and create a scenario where your mouth remains relaxed during sleep or during the day.  There are many approaches to retard the clenching behavior, many of which are more successful to daytime clench and grinders verses night clenchers.

Given that grinding and clenching may not fall within any one medical discipline, it may take a combination of approaches to permanently solve the problem.  However, dentist would appear to have the leg up on the other disciplines, given the amount of training and experience dentists have with your oral health.  Regardless, call the health care provider you are comfortable with to seek solutions to this potentially damaging oral health problem.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

5471 Bells Ferry Road, Suite 200

Acworth, GA 30102

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilewoodstock.com

Related articles

• Dentist Roswell: Do Children Grind Their Teeth? (therightsmile.wordpress.com)
• Causes and Solutions for Night Bruxism (fyiliving.com)
• Common Oral Health Problems (everydayhealth.com)

---

[1] ADA and the National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002386/, Feb. 22, 2010.

[2]    Ibid.

Acworth, GA Dentist: Brush and Floss if you want to keep ‘em.

Often I am asked questions such as how often I should floss and is flossing really necessary.  I am famous for saying “You should only brush and floss the teeth you want to keep!”  Brushing and flossing your teeth are the two most important patient activities you can do to ensure good oral health. 

The goal of brushing and flossing is to reduce or rid your mouth of harmful bacteria that can adversely affect both your gums and teeth. Microscopic bacteria reside in your mouth calling it home, feeding off the food particles left on our teeth.

Bacteria produce acid from their feasting and this acid eats into your tooth enamel creating cavities. Addition toxins are produced from bacteria in plaque that will inflame and irritate your gum tissue. And finally, without proper care the bacteria can also sulfur compounds that create bad breath.

In the most recent studies, poor oral health can be linked to other related health issues that may stem from oral bacteria entering the bloodstream affecting other internal organs.  Regular brushing and flossing removes the plaque and the bacteria plaque contains. Unfortunately, many people think brushing alone is sufficient to rid the mouth of these bacteria.   But flossing is a key component to your good oral hygiene program.

If you do not floss and allow plaque to remain in between teeth it eventually hardens into a substance known as tartar. Unlike plaque which can be easily removed by brushing, tartar can only be removed by your dentist.

Over time, failing to floss will result in irritated and inflamed gums. This condition is known as gingivitis, which if left untreated can progress to periodontal disease domino’ing into gingival recession, bone loss, loose teeth, and so on until ultimately your teeth are lost.

Timely and regular flossing removes the bacteria that escapes the reach of the toothbrush.  Brushing alone only does part of the job.  So you really need to floss. The American Dental Association recommends that you floss at least once a day, but I would suggest once in the morning and once in the evening as the better protocol.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

5471 Bells Ferry Road, Suite 200

Acworth, GA 30102

770-928-7281

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmileacworth.com

Related articles

• East Cobb Dentist: I read this on Webmd.com (therightsmile.wordpress.com)
• Dentist Buckhead: How Often Should I See the Dentist? (therightsmile.wordpress.com)
• Dentist Buckhead: Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

Acworth Dentist: Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

Bruxism, otherwise known as teeth grinding, is when you clench (tightly hold your top and bottom teeth together) or grind (slide your teeth back and forth over each other) your teeth, that may or may not cause harm.  When teeth clenching or grinding occurs on a regular basis the teeth may become damaged and possible other possible oral health issues may develop.

People may clench and grind their teeth without being aware of it during both the day and night.  When it is sleep-related, bruxism is often the bigger problem because of the lack of control.  Because it does occur during sleep most people are unaware of the problem until symptoms begin to arise.  While some of these symptoms are headaches or a sore jaw, they are masked by other factors such as too much stress, inability to relax, misalignment of the teeth, or even ones posture or diet.[1]

The cause of bruxism is not completely agreed upon, but daily stress may be the precipitant in many cases.  The clenching the teeth may be brought on by anxiety, stress or depression.  Other symptoms may include ear aches, insomnia and/or sensitivity in the teeth.[2]  The clenching or grinding puts pressure on the muscles, tissues, and other structures around your jaw. The symptoms may develop into temporomandibular joint problems, commonly referred to as TMJ.

If you suspect you may be grinding your teeth, talk to your dentist.  An examination can rule out other disorders that may cause similar jaw pain or ear pain, including:

• Dental disorders
• Ear disorders such as ear infections
• Problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)

Your dentist can examine your mouth and jaw for signs of bruxism, such as jaw tenderness and abnormalities in your teeth.  If it is diagnosed as night grinding, you can be fitted with a mouth or night guard (a splint) to prevent further damage to your teeth and other issues mentioned above.  The varying types of splints may prevent clenching and create a scenario where your mouth remains relaxed during sleep or during the day.  There are many approaches to retard the clenching behavior, many of which are more successful to daytime clench and grinders verses night clenchers.

Given that grinding and clenching may not fall within any one medical discipline, it may take a combination of approaches to permanently solve the problem.  However, dentist would appear to have the leg up on the other disciplines, given the amount of training and experience dentists have with your oral health.  Regardless, call the health care provider you are comfortable with to seek solutions to this potentially damaging oral health problem.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

5471 Bells Ferry Road, 200

Acworth, GA 30102

770-928-7281

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmileacworth.com

Related articles

• Dentist Roswell: Do Children Grind Their Teeth? (therightsmile.wordpress.com)
• Causes and Solutions for Night Bruxism (fyiliving.com)
• Common Oral Health Problems (everydayhealth.com)

---

[1] ADA and the National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002386/, Feb. 22, 2010.

[2]    Ibid.

Acworth, GA: Dentist: Do Children Grind Their Teeth?

The problem of bruxism, otherwise known as teeth grinding, is not limited to adults.  According WebMD, approximately 15% to 33% of children grind their teeth. Children who grind their teeth tend to do so at two peak times in their lives – (1) when their baby teeth emerge and (2) when their permanent teeth come in.[1]  Some of this potential grinding is protected or goes unnoticed because of thumb sucking, which can cause a different set of problems.   However, most children who do not suck their thumbs while sleeping lose the teeth grinding habit shortly after these two sets of teeth have come in more fully.

While it is more common for children grinding their teeth to do it during sleep rather than during waking hours, it has not been determined exactly why children grind their teeth.  There are several theories which include improperly aligned teeth or irregular contact between upper and lower teeth, illnesses and other medical conditions (such as nutritional deficiencies, pinworm, allergies, endocrine disorders), and psychological factors including anxiety and stress, and all of which appear to be unsubstantiated theory.

The main reason there has been very little study on children grinding their baby teeth is that it rarely results in problems.  However, teeth grinding can cause jaw pain, headaches, wear on the teeth, and TMD.[2]  Consult your dentist if your child’s teeth look worn or if your child complains of tooth sensitivity or pain.

Should teeth grinding result in a real problem for your child, here are some specific tips to help stop teeth grinding:[3]

1. Where possible, decrease your child’s stress, especially just before bedtime.
2. Try massage and stretching exercises to relax the muscles.
3. Make sure your child’s diet includes plenty of water. There is some thought that dehydration may be linked to teeth grinding.
4. Ask your dentist to monitor your child’s teeth if he or she is a grinder.  Possibly consult a pedodontist (children’s dentist) and pediatrician if it becomes apparent that damage is occurring.

No intervention is usually required with preschool-age children. However, older children may need temporary crowns or other methods, such as a night guard, to prevent the grinding in their sleep.

Dr. Scheinfeld is an Emory trained prosthodontist specializing in mandibular form and function.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

5471 Bells Ferry Road, Suite 200

Acworth, GA 30102

770-928-7281

Info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmileacworth.com

 

Related articles

• How Can I Put an End to Teeth Grinding? (everydayhealth.com)
• What Is Bruxism? Do I Grind at Night? (terrehautedds.wordpress.com)
• Dentist Buckhead Atlanta: Are You Thumbing Your Mouth At Me? (therightsmile.wordpress.com)
• Dentist Buckhead: Why you might be better off seeing a Prosthodontist (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

---

[1] WebMD, Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) July 5, 2011

[2]http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bruxism/DS00337

[3] WebMD, Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) July 5, 2011

 

Woodstock, GA Dentist: Brush and Floss if you want to keep ‘em.

Often I am asked questions such as how often I should floss and is flossing really necessary.  I am famous for saying “You should only brush and floss the teeth you want to keep!”  Brushing and flossing your teeth are the two most important patient activities you can do to ensure good oral health. 

The goal of brushing and flossing is to reduce or rid your mouth of harmful bacteria that can adversely affect both your gums and teeth. Microscopic bacteria reside in your mouth calling it home, feeding off the food particles left on our teeth.

Bacteria produce acid from their feasting and this acid eats into your tooth enamel creating cavities. Addition toxins are produced from bacteria in plaque that will inflame and irritate your gum tissue. And finally, without proper care the bacteria can also sulfur compounds that create bad breath.

In the most recent studies, poor oral health can be linked to other related health issues that may stem from oral bacteria entering the bloodstream affecting other internal organs.  Regular brushing and flossing removes the plaque and the bacteria plaque contains. Unfortunately, many people think brushing alone is sufficient to rid the mouth of these bacteria.   But flossing is a key component to your good oral hygiene program.

If you do not floss and allow plaque to remain in between teeth it eventually hardens into a substance known as tartar. Unlike plaque which can be easily removed by brushing, tartar can only be removed by your dentist.

Over time, failing to floss will result in irritated and inflamed gums. This condition is known as gingivitis, which if left untreated can progress to periodontal disease domino’ing into gingival recession, bone loss, loose teeth, and so on until ultimately your teeth are lost.

Timely and regular flossing removes the bacteria that escapes the reach of the toothbrush.  Brushing alone only does part of the job.  So you really need to floss. The American Dental Association recommends that you floss at least once a day, but I would suggest once in the morning and once in the evening as the better protocol.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

5471 Bells Ferry Road, Suite 200

Acworth, GA 30102

770-928-7281

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilewoodstock.com

Related articles

• East Cobb Dentist: I read this on Webmd.com (therightsmile.wordpress.com)
• Dentist Buckhead: How Often Should I See the Dentist? (therightsmile.wordpress.com)
• Dentist Buckhead: Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

Related articles

• Dentist Acworth: Small Steps to a Healthy Mouth. (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

Dentist Sandy Springs: Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

Image via Wikipedia

Bruxism, otherwise known as teeth grinding, is when you clench (tightly hold your top and bottom teeth together) or grind (slide your teeth back and forth over each other) your teeth, that may or may not cause harm.  When teeth clenching or grinding occurs on a regular basis the teeth may become damaged and possible other possible oral health issues may develop.

People may clench and grind their teeth without being aware of it during both the day and night.  When it is sleep-related, bruxism is often the bigger problem because of the lack of control.  Because it does occur during sleep most people are unaware of the problem until symptoms begin to arise.  While some of these symptoms are headaches or a sore jaw, they are masked by other factors such as too much stress, inability to relax, misalignment of the teeth, or even ones posture or diet.[1]

The cause of bruxism is not completely agreed upon, but daily stress may be the precipitant in many cases.  The clenching the teeth may be brought on by anxiety, stress or depression.  Other symptoms may include ear aches, insomnia and/or sensitivity in the teeth.[2]  The clenching or grinding puts pressure on the muscles, tissues, and other structures around your jaw. The symptoms may develop into temporomandibular joint problems, commonly referred to as TMJ.

If you suspect you may be grinding your teeth, talk to your dentist.  An examination can rule out other disorders that may cause similar jaw pain or ear pain, including:

• Dental disorders
• Ear disorders such as ear infections
• Problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)

Your dentist can examine your mouth and jaw for signs of bruxism, such as jaw tenderness and abnormalities in your teeth.  If it is diagnosed as night grinding, you can be fitted with a mouth or night guard (a splint) to prevent further damage to your teeth and other issues mentioned above.  The varying types of splints may prevent clenching and create a scenario where your mouth remains relaxed during sleep or during the day.  There are many approaches to retard the clenching behavior, many of which are more successful to daytime clench and grinders verses night clenchers.

Given that grinding and clenching may not fall within any one medical discipline, it may take a combination of approaches to permanently solve the problem.  However, dentist would appear to have the leg up on the other disciplines, give the amount of training and experience dentists have with your oral health.  Regardless, call the health care provider you are comfortable with to seek solutions to this potentially damaging oral health problem.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

receptionist@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com

Related articles

• Dentist Roswell: Do Children Grind Their Teeth? (therightsmile.wordpress.com)
• Causes and Solutions for Night Bruxism (fyiliving.com)
• Common Oral Health Problems (everydayhealth.com)

---

[1] ADA and the National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002386/, Feb. 22, 2010.

[2]    Ibid.

Related articles

• Can Anxiety Affect Your Teeth? (everydayhealth.com)

Dunwoody: Dental: Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

Image via Wikipedia

Most people probably grind and clench their teeth from time to time. But occasional teeth grinding does not usually cause harm. It’s when teeth grinding occurs on a regular basis the teeth can be damaged and other oral health complications can arise.

Why Do People Grind Their Teeth?[1]

Although teeth grinding can be caused by stress and anxiety, it often occurs during sleep and is more likely caused by an abnormal bite, missing or crooked teeth.

How Do I Find Out if I Grind My Teeth?

Because grinding often occurs during sleep, most people are unaware that they grind their teeth. However, a dull, constant headache or sore jaw is a telltale symptom of bruxism. Many times people learn that they grind their teeth by their loved one who hears the grinding at night.

If you suspect you may be grinding your teeth, talk to your dentist.  He or she can examine your mouth and jaw for signs of bruxism, such as jaw tenderness and abnormalities in your teeth.

Why Is Teeth Grinding Harmful?

In some cases, chronic teeth grinding can result in a fracturing, loosening, or loss of teeth. The chronic grinding may wear their teeth down to stumps. When these events happen, bridges, crowns, root canals, implants, partial dentures, and even complete dentures may be needed.

Not only can severe grinding damage teeth and result in tooth loss, it can also affect your jaws, result in hearing loss, cause or worsen TMD/TMJ, and even change the appearance of your face.

What Can I Do to Stop Grinding My Teeth?

Your dentist can fit you with a mouth guard to protect your teeth from grinding during sleep.

If stress is causing you to grind your teeth, ask your doctor or dentist about options to reduce your stress.  Attending stress counseling, starting an exercise program, seeing a physical therapist, or obtaining a prescription for anti-anxiety or muscle relaxants are among some of the options that may be offered.

Other tips to help you stop teeth grinding include:[2]

• Avoid or cut back on foods and drinks that contain caffeine, such as colas, chocolate, coffee and so-called energy drinks.
• Avoid alcohol. Grinding tends to intensify after alcohol consumption.
• Do not chew on objects that are not food. So avoid, finger nails, pencils and pens. Also avoid chewing gum as it allows your jaw muscles to get used to clenching and may tend to make you more likely to grind your teeth.
• Train yourself not to clench or grind your teeth. If you notice that you clench or grind during the day, position the tip of your tongue between your teeth. This practice trains your jaw muscles to relax.
• Relax your jaw muscles at night by holding a warm washcloth against your cheek in front of your earlobe.

 

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

www.rightsmilecenter.com

Related articles

• Dentist East Cobb: Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) (therightsmile.wordpress.com)
• Stop the Chomp: Tips to Quit Grinding Teeth (fitsugar.com)
• Are there any remedies for teeth clenching? (zocdoc.com)

---

[1] Webmd was utilized as a source.

[2] Ibid.

Related articles

• A beautiful smile… (gracefully50.com)

Sandy Springs: Dental: Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

Most people probably grind and clench their teeth from time to time. But occasional teeth grinding does not usually cause harm. It’s when teeth grinding occurs on a regular basis the teeth can be damaged and other oral health complications can arise.

Why Do People Grind Their Teeth?[1]

Although teeth grinding can be caused by stress and anxiety, it often occurs during sleep and is more likely caused by an abnormal bite, missing or crooked teeth.

How Do I Find Out if I Grind My Teeth?

Because grinding often occurs during sleep, most people are unaware that they grind their teeth. However, a dull, constant headache or sore jaw is a telltale symptom of bruxism. Many times people learn that they grind their teeth by their loved one who hears the grinding at night.

If you suspect you may be grinding your teeth, talk to your dentist.  He or she can examine your mouth and jaw for signs of bruxism, such as jaw tenderness and abnormalities in your teeth.

Why Is Teeth Grinding Harmful?

In some cases, chronic teeth grinding can result in a fracturing, loosening, or loss of teeth. The chronic grinding may wear their teeth down to stumps. When these events happen, bridges, crowns, root canals, implants, partial dentures, and even complete dentures may be needed.

Not only can severe grinding damage teeth and result in tooth loss, it can also affect your jaws, result in hearing loss, cause or worsen TMD/TMJ, and even change the appearance of your face.

What Can I Do to Stop Grinding My Teeth?

Your dentist can fit you with a mouth guard to protect your teeth from grinding during sleep.

If stress is causing you to grind your teeth, ask your doctor or dentist about options to reduce your stress.  Attending stress counseling, starting an exercise program, seeing a physical therapist, or obtaining a prescription for anti-anxiety or muscle relaxants are among some of the options that may be offered.

Other tips to help you stop teeth grinding include:[2]

• Avoid or cut back on foods and drinks that contain caffeine, such as colas, chocolate, coffee and so-called energy drinks.
• Avoid alcohol. Grinding tends to intensify after alcohol consumption.
• Do not chew on objects that are not food. So avoid, finger nails, pencils and pens. Also avoid chewing gum as it allows your jaw muscles to get used to clenching and may tend to make you more likely to grind your teeth.
• Train yourself not to clench or grind your teeth. If you notice that you clench or grind during the day, position the tip of your tongue between your teeth. This practice trains your jaw muscles to relax.
• Relax your jaw muscles at night by holding a warm washcloth against your cheek in front of your earlobe.

 

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

www.rightsmilecenter.com

---

[1] Webmd was utilized as a source.

[2] Ibid.

Related articles

• Dentist East Cobb: Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) (therightsmile.wordpress.com)
• Stop the Chomp: Tips to Quit Grinding Teeth (fitsugar.com)
• Are there any remedies for teeth clenching? (zocdoc.com)

Alpharetta Dental: Brush and Floss if you want to keep ‘em.

Often I am asked questions such as how often I should floss and is flossing really necessary.  I am famous for saying “You should only brush and floss the teeth you want to keep!”  Brushing and flossing your teeth are the two most important patient activities you can do to ensure good oral health. 

The goal of brushing and flossing is to reduce or rid your mouth of harmful bacteria that can adversely affect both your gums and teeth. Microscopic bacteria reside in your mouth calling it home, feeding off the food particles left on our teeth.

Bacteria produce acid from their feasting and this acid eats into your tooth enamel creating cavities. Addition toxins are produced from bacteria in plaque that will inflame and irritate your gum tissue. And finally, without proper care the bacteria can also sulfur compounds that create bad breath.

In the most recent studies, poor oral health can be linked to other related health issues that may stem from oral bacteria entering the bloodstream affecting other internal organs.  Regular brushing and flossing removes the plaque and the bacteria plaque contains. Unfortunately, many people think brushing alone is sufficient to rid the mouth of these bacteria.   But flossing is a key component to your good oral hygiene program.

If you do not floss and allow plaque to remain in between teeth it eventually hardens into a substance known as tartar. Unlike plaque which can be easily removed by brushing, tartar can only be removed by your dentist.

Over time, failing to floss will result in irritated and inflamed gums. This condition is known as gingivitis, which if left untreated can progress to periodontal disease domino’ing into gingival recession, bone loss, loose teeth, and so on until ultimately your teeth are lost.

Timely and regular flossing removes the bacteria that escapes the reach of the toothbrush.  Brushing alone only does part of the job.  So you really need to floss. The American Dental Association recommends that you floss at least once a day, but I would suggest once in the morning and once in the evening as the better protocol.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A                                                 

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

receptionist@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com

Related articles

• East Cobb Dentist: I read this on Webmd.com (therightsmile.wordpress.com)
• Dentist Buckhead: How Often Should I See the Dentist? (therightsmile.wordpress.com)
• Dentist Buckhead: Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

Alpharetta area Dentist: Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

Bruxism, otherwise known as teeth grinding, is when you clench (tightly hold your top and bottom teeth together) or grind (slide your teeth back and forth over each other) your teeth, that may or may not cause harm.  When teeth clenching or grinding occurs on a regular basis the teeth may become damaged and possible other possible oral health issues may develop.

People may clench and grind their teeth without being aware of it during both the day and night.  When it is sleep-related, bruxism is often the bigger problem because of the lack of control.  Because it does occur during sleep most people are unaware of the problem until symptoms begin to arise.  While some of these symptoms are headaches or a sore jaw, they are masked by other factors such as too much stress, inability to relax, misalignment of the teeth, or even ones posture or diet.[1]

The cause of bruxism is not completely agreed upon, but daily stress may be the precipitant in many cases.  The clenching the teeth may be brought on by anxiety, stress or depression.  Other symptoms may include ear aches, insomnia and/or sensitivity in the teeth.[2]  The clenching or grinding puts pressure on the muscles, tissues, and other structures around your jaw. The symptoms may develop into temporomandibular joint problems, commonly referred to as TMJ.

If you suspect you may be grinding your teeth, talk to your dentist.  An examination can rule out other disorders that may cause similar jaw pain or ear pain, including:

• Dental disorders
• Ear disorders such as ear infections
• Problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)

Your dentist can examine your mouth and jaw for signs of bruxism, such as jaw tenderness and abnormalities in your teeth.  If it is diagnosed as night grinding, you can be fitted with a mouth or night guard (a splint) to prevent further damage to your teeth and other issues mentioned above.  The varying types of splints may prevent clenching and create a scenario where your mouth remains relaxed during sleep or during the day.  There are many approaches to retard the clenching behavior, many of which are more successful to daytime clench and grinders verses night clenchers.

Given that grinding and clenching may not fall within any one medical discipline, it may take a combination of approaches to permanently solve the problem.  However, dentist would appear to have the leg up on the other disciplines, given the amount of training and experience dentists have with your oral health.  Regardless, call the health care provider you are comfortable with to seek solutions to this potentially damaging oral health problem.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A                                               

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

receptionist@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com

Related articles

• Dentist Roswell: Do Children Grind Their Teeth? (therightsmile.wordpress.com)
• Causes and Solutions for Night Bruxism (fyiliving.com)
• Common Oral Health Problems (everydayhealth.com)

---

[1] ADA and the National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002386/, Feb. 22, 2010.

[2]    Ibid.