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Welcome Everybody!

In this issue:

Do You Clench or Grind Your Teeth?
Clenching or grinding your teeth while you are asleep is called bruxism.  It is not just an annoyance, it exerts thousands of pounds of pressure on the biting surfaces of your teeth which can lead to jaw pain and damage to your teeth.  It can also cause damage to the surrounding bone, gums, and jaw joint.  If it goes untreated, bruxism can cause a number of problems.  Among them are;

• Jaw pain
• Ear aches and headaches
• Loosened teeth
• Damage to the bone that surrounds your teeth
• Damage to your jaw joints (the TMJ)
• Tooth sensitivity as the enamel layer is worn down, exposing the more sensitive dentin layer of your teeth
• Worn-down teeth

What causes bruxism and how do you treat it? 
A big cause of grinding and clenching your teeth is stress.  There are a number of stress-reducing techniques that may be helpful.  There are medications we might speak with your physician about to recommend that can be used to temporarily reduce stress.  Medication may also be prescribed to relieve pain and soreness that are a result of bruxism. 

A bad bite (malocclusion) is another reason for bruxism.  A bad bite can cause spaces between teeth, or worn teeth may also cause you to clench and grind your teeth.  Braces, crowns, bridges, or other dental restorations can correct your bite and eliminate clenching and grinding.  We may also recommend that you use an orthotic device  (or night guard), a plastic device worn at night that fits over either your bottom or top teeth.  A night guard can help to eliminate the irregularities of a bad bite and protect your teeth from the damage caused by grinding.  Night guards are custom-fit for your teeth.  If you need a night guard we will make an impression of your teeth that we will use to create a model.  We use the model to create your custom-fit night guard.  During the following appointment you will try on your night guard and we can adjust it for a precise fit. Without treatment the constant clenching and grinding of your teeth can cause widespread damage in and around your mouth.  Treating the problem early can resolve the problem and prevent many possible future problems.  Talk with us if you are aware of any clenching, grinding, worn tooth, or headache issues;  we can often help.

Have a great holiday weekend!

Dr. Bard J. Levey