Bottom Line of Bruxism

Grinding of your teeth, also known as bruxism can have a variety of causes. Some people grind their teeth only during sleep. This is called “nocturnal bruxism” or “sleep-related bruxism.” Others grind or clench their teeth during the daytime as well. Some experts view bruxism as nothing more than a habit. It can also be a result of the body’s reaction when the teeth do not line up or come together properly. If you experience signs and symptoms of bruxism, our doctors at Maiden Lane Dental can develop an individualized treatment plan with you.

When diagnosing bruxism, one of our doctors will ask about your general dental health, what sources of stress you have in your life, and what medicines you take. They will examine you, paying special attention to the muscles in and around your jaw. He will also look at your teeth for evidence of grinding. During this examination, one of our doctors will check for tenderness in your jaw muscles and the jaw joint. A more detailed exam may follow if your dentist suspects that your bruxism is related to dental problems.

If you believe you have bruxism, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.maidenlanedental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors here at Maiden Lane Dental in New York, NY, call 212-509-4585.

Night Guards

At our practice in New York, NY, we see many patients who suffer from bruxism, a condition marked by teeth grinding or excessive clenching. Some of these people grind their teeth or clench their jaw consciously throughout the day, but an even greater number do so at night while sleeping. Many of our patients who grind at night do not even realize that they do it until the results of the behavior give the condition away. If you grind your teeth, you will often experience damage to your enamel, as well as jaw pain, headaches and gum irritation. To protect your teeth, you must seek treatment, and Maiden Lane Dental, we find that night guards are the best way to prevent bruxism’s negative effects.

Similar to those worn by athletes, night guards provide a barrier between your top and bottom teeth when you sleep. By reducing wear to your teeth and making it harder for you to grind, your teeth will be healthier and you will feel better overall. We custom fit these night guards to make them as comfortable as possible. To fit you with a night guard, we will take an impression of your teeth to send to our dental lab for fabrication. Night guards created in a lab are very durable and can last for up to 10 years.

If you find yourself frequently waking up with headaches or pain in your jaw, it is very possible that you grind in your sleep. Often those who do not treat their bruxism end up with TMD, and they can even change the appearance of their face. To diagnose and treat your night grinding, call 212-509-4585 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Lloyd Becker. For more information, visit www.maidenlanedental.com.