Bruxism San Francisco

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of bruxism may include:

• Teeth grinding or clenching, which may be loud enough to wake up your sleep partner

• Teeth that are flattened, fractured, chipped or loose

• Worn tooth enamel, exposing deeper layers of your tooth. Some people may require dentures or fillings because of it.

• Increased tooth pain or sensitivity

• Tired or tight jaw muscles, or a locked jaw that won't open or close completely

• Jaw, neck or face pain or soreness

• Pain that feels like an earache, though it's actually not a problem with your ear

• Dull headache starting in the temples

• Damage from chewing on the inside of your cheek

• Sleep disruption

Complications

In With most patients cases, bruxism doesn't cause serious complications. But severe bruxism may lead to:

• Damage to your teeth, restorations, crowns or jaw

• Tension-type headaches

• Severe facial or jaw pain

• Disorders that occur in the temporomandibular joints (TMJs), located just in front of your ears, which may sound like clicking when you open and close your mouth

Ten quick solutions

1) Wear a night guard

• We can custom fit you for a night guard, which is an appliance that fits over your top teeth, is made from plastic or acrylic, and is worn while you sleep. Though it won’t stop you from grinding, it protects your teeth. Your trained dentist will advise you on the best guards and other solutions for bruxism. SF-based Gentry Dentistry has been advising bruxism patients since 2003.

2) Exercise

• Whether you opt for a major sweat session or just a stroll, working out helps alleviate stress, which is a common cause of bruxism.

3) Take a warm bath before bed

• Warm water can help relax your jaw muscles right before you turn in. If you don't like baths, soak a washcloth in warm water, wring it out, and apply it to your jaw. A heating pad can also do the trick, though moist heat is best because it penetrates better.

4) Relax

• Since anxiety is a major force behind grinding, try to unwind and relieve stress just before bedtime. Hitting the hay when you’re calm can reduce grinding.

5) Learn new habits

• It is possible to grind or clench during the day. So try to be aware of your mouth—keep your lips closed but teeth apart to prevent contact. Teeth should only touch when you’re chewing or swallowing. Whenever you feel your jaw clenching, drop your jaw down, feel the muscles relax, and then try to maintain that position.

6) Give yourself a massage

• A rubdown helps the rest of your body relax, and it works the same way for your jaw muscles—gently rub them when you’re feeling tense.

7) Seek help

• If you suffer from severe anxiety, talk therapy with a psychologist or psychiatrist may help alleviate that, which in turn will reduce grinding.

• It’s also important to visit your dentist to discuss bruxism. San Francisco dental care can be expensive but Gentry Dentistry is committed to giving you access to the right dental treatments. 

8) Avoid alcohol & caffeine

• Grinding may get worse after drinking alcohol or caffeine. So skip that glass of wine or cup of coffee in the evening.

9) Don’t chew anything besides food

• Gnawing on pens or pencils or similarly hard items can enable your jaw muscles to get used to clenching, making you more likely to grind your teeth.

10) Skip chewy foods

• Keep gum, steak, popcorn, and other chewy foods to a minimum when you’ve been grinding your teeth. This will ease soreness and give your jaw a break.

• Searching, “treatment for bruxism near me”? You’ve come to the right place. Get bruxism Bay Area-based help from a dental team that cares.

Or call us today at (415) 515-4694

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