Bruxism
West Linn, OR
 Bruxism is a condition that is based on involuntary grinding and clenching of the teeth. Typically, this occurs during sleep and is known as sleep bruxism. In addition, it is quite common in children, adolescents, and young adults, but not exclusive to them. When sleeping, people are generally unaware of the pressure with which they clench their teeth, but this force can consequently erode the teeth and cause muscle pain in the jaw and neck, including headaches. At ZenTech Dentistry, we have the right equipment and tools to help you control bruxism.
When Should I Go to the Dentist if I Have Bruxism?
If you are at a point where you feel jaw or tooth pain due to the constant grinding of your teeth, it is definitely the time to contact our professionals. Bruxism when sleeping, above all, can severely damage the health of your teeth over time and affect your sleep. In turn, this may consequently impact your quality of life. It is our priority to rule out other conditions associated with bruxism, such as obstructive sleep apnea and gastroesophageal reflux.
Treatments for Night Bruxism
Treatment for bruxism is based on two essential components: the efficient management of symptoms, especially pain, and reducing the severity of the pressure to avoid any consequences. Although there are measures that you can take at home that will help you cope with bruxism, it is crucial that you contact our office, since only a professional team can recommend the most efficient treatment for your case.
Spending all night with that amount of pressure on your teeth will inevitably cause pain in both your mouth and your neck, so it is very important to manage pain as a fundamental part of the treatment of bruxism. While correcting bruxism pain relievers are recommended.
At Home Tips for Bruxism
It is recommended to avoid excessively hard foods like nuts and popcorn, as well as being careful with sticky foods. You should avoid gum, and adjust your sleeping position so that you have additional head and neck support. Both hot compresses and ice can help soothe the pain as well.
Finally, some patients may benefit from a head and neck massage to relieve pain points caused by pressure from the teeth and constant grinding. Ideally, this massage is performed by a therapist the first time, and that the techniques are explained to you so that you can replicate it at home to relax your muscles.
Dental Treatment for Bruxism
Although not every patient with bruxism needs treatment, if you have frequent or excessively bothersome symptoms, it is time for you to consult our professionals to assign you a treatment protocol and improve your quality of life. The most common option is mouthguards, which are an instrument used when sleeping that hold your jaw in a specific position, providing a barrier to minimize damage from the pressure of the teeth. With tight jaw pain, we may also look into sleep apnea treatments.
At ZenTech Dentistry, we can offer you the best quality treatment so that you can forget about painful nights and get the sleep that you deserve. Please call us now at (503) 765-9699 in order to book your comprehensive oral exam with our team of dental professionals today.
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(503) 765-9699
