Teeth Grinding

Nighttime teeth grinding can damage your teeth and prevent you from getting a good night’s rest. At Premier Sleep Associates in Bellevue, Washington, Stephen Carstensen, DDS, and Carrie Magnuson, DDS, lead a team of professionals who work together to help you find relief from teeth grinding and get the rest you need. Call the office to book a visit, or spend a few moments using the online booking tool. 

What is teeth grinding?

Bruxism is the medical term used to refer to teeth grinding, a serious dental health issue that can damage your teeth and get in the way of a good night’s sleep. If you experience teeth grinding, it’s important to work with a sleep professional to find a treatment path that works for you. 

Teeth grinding occurs when your lower jaw moves side-to-side or circularly while you sleep. When your upper and lower teeth make contact, the biting surfaces grind together. Due to the unique shape, size, and alignment of your teeth, some surfaces suffer more pressure and damage than others. 

Most cases of teeth grinding happen during sleep, and you may not even be aware you’re grinding your teeth together. In some cases, grinding occurs while you’re awake, often in times of high stress or anxiety. 

What are some indications of teeth grinding?

Knowing the signs of teeth grinding can help you know when it’s time to take action to resolve the problem. Some bruxism symptoms include:

• Sleep disruptions
• Waking with pain in your face, head, or neck
• Visibly worn-down teeth
• Dental pain
• Problems opening and closing your jaw normally

Often, your sleep partner will notice your teeth grinding even before you begin to notice these problems. Nighttime teeth grinding can be incredibly disruptive to a partner’s sleep and can cause them to suffer their own insomnia. 

How can treatment help end teeth grinding?

If your dentist determines you’re grinding your teeth, an oral appliance is often the best course of action. Customized oral appliances are shaped to fit the unique contouring of your mouth. 

You simply place the device in your mouth as you prepare for bed, then remove it after you wake up. Oral appliances create a barrier between upper and lower teeth, protecting your teeth from damage. They also change the position of your lower jaw, which can not only prevent grinding but also help with problems with your temporomandibular joints (TMJ). 

There are more than 100 different styles of oral appliances and a solution to fit virtually every set of needs. If you’d like to begin exploring your options for reducing teeth grinding, call Premier Sleep Associates today to schedule a visit or book online in just a few clicks.