Share:

If you wake up most mornings with stiff jaws from grinding your teeth all night, it’s time to take action. Getting to the root of the problem is the first step towards treatment. The practice of C.R. Sfeir D.D.S., General Dentistry, in Lorain, OH, specializes in providing dental care that promotes healthy teeth and gums. They frequently work with patients who grind their teeth.

The technical term for teeth grinding is bruxism. According to the Mayo Clinic, the condition is most common in children, but adults are prone to developing it, too. The causes range from drinking caffeinated or alcoholic beverages and smoking to anxiety, stress, sleep apnea, and acid reflux. Severe bruxism can lead to damaged teeth, jaws, headaches, and temporomandibular disorder, which affects the joints located near the front of the ears.

The good news is the condition is totally treatable! A visit to the dentist will help you identify the appropriate solution. And in the meantime, here are a few ways to prevent teeth grinding:

  • Correct Teeth Alignment: A dentist can pinpoint ways to align your teeth, such as applying crowns, reshaping the teeth’s surfaces, installing braces, or in extreme cases, oral surgery.
  • Use Mouth Guards: Made from soft material or hard acrylic, mouth guards are placed over the upper and lower teeth. The devices are designed to separate the teeth to prevent the damage associated with grinding or clenching.
  • Minimize Caffeine: Avoid caffeine before bedtime. Drinking alcohol or smoking cigarettes should also be kept to a minimum at night, as the activities have been proven to lead to teeth grinding.
  • dentistEliminate Stress: It may be hard to do, but really try to reduce your stress. Taking a warm bath, reading a book, or exercising are all good ways to break the tension before going to bed.
  • Regular Dentist Visits: When you make and attend routine dentist appointments, your dental care provider will be able to spot early signs of teeth grinding before the condition starts to wear down your enamel and cause serious damage.

The team at C.R. Sfeir D.D.S., General Dentistry, will do all they can to help you stop grinding your teeth. With more than 20 years of service in the Lorain community, the local dentist’s office has earned a reputation for providing a relaxed setting for everything related to oral health care, from cosmetic dentistry to dental implants to cleanings. To schedule an appointment, call them today at (440) 960-5200. Visit their website to learn more about their wide range of services.

tracking