Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) Treatment in Woodinville, WA
Do you wake up with a sore jaw, a dull headache, or teeth that feel tender? You may be grinding or clenching your teeth, a condition known as bruxism. Many people grind their teeth while they sleep without realizing it. At Oasis Family Dentistry, Dr. Tim Hung can identify the signs of bruxism and protect your smile with a comfortable, custom-fit night guard.
Request an AppointmentUnderstanding Bruxism
Bruxism is the habit of grinding, gnashing, or clenching your teeth. It can happen during the day, often when concentrating or feeling stressed, or at night during sleep. Sleep bruxism is especially common and can go unnoticed for years while it slowly wears down your teeth.
Signs You May Be Grinding Your Teeth
- Jaw soreness or tightness, especially in the morning
- Headaches that start near the temples
- Flattened, worn, or chipped tooth surfaces
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Earache-like pain without an ear infection
- Clicking or popping in the jaw joint
- A partner noticing grinding sounds at night
- Indentations along the sides of your tongue or inside your cheeks
What Causes Teeth Grinding?
Bruxism has many possible causes, and often more than one is at play. Common contributors include stress and anxiety, sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, a misaligned bite, caffeine or alcohol use, certain medications, and tobacco use. In children, grinding is common and often outgrown, but it should still be monitored during regular visits to our children’s dentistry team.
How Grinding Damages Your Smile
The forces generated during grinding can be many times stronger than normal chewing. Over time, bruxism can wear enamel down to the dentin, cause cracked or chipped teeth, loosen teeth, damage existing crowns and fillings, and strain the jaw muscles and joints.
How We Treat Teeth Grinding
During your exam, Dr. Hung looks for wear patterns, cracks, and muscle tenderness. Images from our intraoral camera can show you the damage up close.
The most effective way to protect your teeth is a custom night guard. Using iTero® digital scanning, we create a precise 3D model of your teeth for a guard that fits comfortably and stays in place all night. Unlike bulky store-bought guards, a custom guard is thinner, more durable, and designed to cushion your bite.
If grinding has already damaged your teeth, we can restore them with bonding, crowns, or other restorative treatments. If a misaligned bite is a factor, clear aligner therapy may help.
Healthy Habits That Help
Reducing caffeine and alcohol, practicing relaxation techniques before bed, and being mindful of daytime clenching can all reduce grinding. If you snore loudly or wake up unrested, talk with your physician about a possible sleep disorder. Learn about other dental conditions we treat.
Frequently Asked Questions About Teeth Grinding
How do I know if I grind my teeth at night?
Common clues include morning jaw soreness, headaches, worn or sensitive teeth, and a partner hearing grinding sounds. Dr. Hung can confirm the signs during an exam.
Is a custom night guard better than a store-bought guard?
Yes. Custom night guards are made from a precise scan of your teeth, so they fit better, are more comfortable, last longer, and protect your teeth more effectively.
Can teeth grinding crack my teeth?
Yes. The intense force of grinding can cause chips, cracks, and fractures, and can damage existing dental work.
Does stress cause teeth grinding?
Stress and anxiety are among the most common causes of bruxism, especially daytime clenching and nighttime grinding.
Do children grind their teeth?
Yes, it’s fairly common in children and is often outgrown. We monitor wear during checkups and recommend treatment if needed.
Can grinding cause jaw pain?
Yes. Repeated clenching strains the jaw muscles and joints, which may cause soreness, clicking, or headaches.
How long does a night guard last?
With proper care, a custom night guard typically lasts several years. Bring it to your checkups so we can make sure it still fits well.
Protect Your Teeth From Grinding
Stop bruxism from wearing down your smile. Call Oasis Family Dentistry at (425) 486-9245 or request an appointment online to be fitted for a custom night guard.