Signs and Symptoms of Teeth Grinding

Are you frequently waking up to a sore jaw or to headaches? Do you suffer with sensitive teeth and earaches throughout the day? Sadly, these could all be symptoms of bruxism, which is also commonly known as teeth grinding. This can be a serious problem that should be addressed by a professional as quickly as possible.

A common cause of bruxism is temporomandibular joint disorder (often referred to as TMJ or TMJD). This important joint controls your ability to open, shut, and move your jaw. However, bruxism can be caused by other issues, such as acid reflux, sleep disorders, misaligned teeth, or anxiety and stress.

Professionals may have difficulty diagnosing exactly what is causing your teeth grinding, but fortunately there are many different treatments that can help you resolve the issue. The most common treatment is a night mouth guard. Our dentist will create a mouthguard that is comfortable and custom made with your smile in mind. Conversely, if your bruxism is mild, your treatment will probably also be minor.

While bruxism may not seem like a serious issue, it can lead to significant trouble—and can be difficult to recognize. To help you avoid these problems, we encourage you to schedule frequent checkups with our team.

If you think you may have bruxism, or are simply interested in scheduling a checkup, please don’t hesitate to contact Lakeview Dental Care at 269-964-7660. Dr. L.C. Chilimigras and our team will gladly answer any questions you may have. We’re excited to hear from you!