Teeth grinding and clenching, also known as bruxism, is a very common issue that affects millions of children and adults in the United States. While it may seem like a harmless issue, grinding and clenching can result in serious issues for not only your oral health but also your overall health and wellbeing. At Virginia Biological Dentistry in Glen Allen, VA, Dr. Olivia Hart conducts a comprehensive assessment of each patient to determine the cause of their bruxism and the most effective treatment options.
In some cases, you may notice that you grind and clench your teeth during the day, but in most people, clenching teeth at night while sleeping is the only time it occurs, so it may be difficult to tell if you are suffering from bruxism. Common symptoms include:
While many dentists may simply just give you a mouthguard to protect your teeth, Dr. Hart takes a biological approach to determine the cause of your bruxism. While many people think that bruxism is simply due to stress, there are other factors that can contribute to it – including sleep apnea, a serious condition that can have grave health consequences such as strokes, heart attacks, and death. In a comprehensive evaluation, Dr. Hart will examine your teeth and mouth, as well as discuss your medical history and lifestyle with you. Based on your individual needs, one or more of the following bruxism treatments may be beneficial to prevent teeth grinding and restore your health:
