Do you find yourself clenching or grinding your teeth in stressful situations? You may have bruxism. Bruxism, also known as teeth grinding, is a condition that affects millions of people in the U.S. This condition usually occurs unconsciously during sleep or when one is under stress or feels anxiety.
Bruxism often goes undiagnosed because most people experience the problem during sleep. However, bruxism can become noticeable when signs of the condition appear. If left untreated, teeth clenching and grinding can cause damage to teeth, not to mention wear and tear. In severe cases, bruxism may break teeth or cause teeth to become loose and fall out.
People who have a misaligned bite or use smoking products are more prone to teeth clenching and grinding than other patients. It is important to be aware of the symptoms of bruxism so that further oral health and chronic pain problems don’t develop.
Common Symptoms of Bruxism
Patients who suffer from bruxism often have chronic pain conditions caused by teeth clenching and grinding. But there are multiple other common signs of bruxism to look out for include:
- Tooth Pain
- Headaches
- Lockjaw
- Loose Teeth
- Muscle Soreness
- Jaw Soreness
- Fractured Teeth
- Tooth Sensitivity
If you have noticed any of the signs of bruxism, call our office at (513) 342-2644. Our team will be happy to offer a comprehensive exam and answer any questions that you may have about treatment.
Treating Bruxism
Dr. Marvin Kaplan offers oral appliance therapy to patients with bruxism in his Cincinnati, OH office. Before treatment, Dr. Kaplan will assess your teeth and analyze your bite to determine if you have any underlying conditions. If you have a misaligned bite and want your teeth straightened, Dr. Kaplan may recommend treatment following oral appliance therapy.
During treatment, Dr. Kaplan will take a dental impression of teeth to create a custom oral appliance, which acts as a mouthguard. Oral appliances are worn to prevent teeth from touching and are designed to take pressure off of the jaw. This solution prevents further damage to teeth that have previously been under stress.
Schedule an Appointment
Do you suffer from jaw pain and muscle soreness? Don’t ignore the symptoms of bruxism. Call Dr. Kaplan and his team in their Cincinnati, OH office today at (513) 342-2644.