Bruxism in Grand Ledge, MI
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Contact UsWhat Is Bruxism?
Bruxism is a term used to describe chronic teeth grinding and jaw clenching, which can happen whether you're awake or asleep (nocturnal bruxism). A lot of people grind their teeth, a lot of times unintentionally, during the course of the day or while sleeping, due to tension and anxiety or a crooked bite and specific prescriptions. Despite the fact that occasional teeth grinding ordinarily is not an issue, regular teeth grinding can damage and wear away your teeth and sometimes will even lead to painful issues like temporomandibular disorder (TMD) that impacts the jaw. At Dr. Todd K. Baum, DDS, PC, our dentists detect and provide beneficial care solutions for bruxism, such as protective mouth guards to wear during the night. Call our Grand Ledge, MI facility for more information and book a meeting with Dr. Todd K. Baum to treat bruxism and safeguard your oral wellness.
What Can Cause Bruxism?
Bruxism may be caused by an assortment of factors that are often specific to the person enduring it. The most common factors that lead to teeth grinding commonly constitute psychological and emotional issues, including frustration, anxiety, stress, or anger. Sleep apnea and snoring have similarly been associated with bruxism, along with certain drugs, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) used as antidepressants.
What Are the Symptoms of Bruxism?
Teeth grinding can cause a multitude of symptoms. People who routinely grind and clench their teeth will regularly incur a range of challenges, such as:
- Cheek damage or cuts
- Clicking or popping in the jaw
- Considerable wear on the teeth
- Recesses on the tongue
- Stress in the jaw and neck muscles
- Chipped, damaged, loose, or cracked teeth
- Jaw locking
- Tooth sensitivity
- Frequent headaches
- Pain in the ear(s), face, jaw, and/or neck
How Do Bruxism Treatments Work?
Bruxism can be caused by a number of factors, so Dr. Baum will create a customized treatment plan designed to address your particular issues. If your grinding is caused by broken or cracked teeth, those will need to be dealt with first. The most common therapy for bruxism involves custom-built night guards to be worn at night. The mouth guards shield your teeth from harm that might occur during the night. Certain patients could potentially be recommended for splints, which are solid acrylic materials placed on the lower or upper teeth to stop teeth clenching and grinding. Along with these treatment solutions, anxiety and stress management may further aid in the reduction of teeth grinding and promote complete well-being.
Dr. Todd K. Baum, DDS, PC Reviews
Todd is the BEST! And this is the first time Dr. Day helped me out with a dental issue. Seems like a fine fellow with skills I cherish. Thank you for being GREAT DENTISTS! AND, for Your front line Staff, Your assistants that organize it all and are so important. And who are so welcoming and helpful.
Thank you so much for all of your help and expertise. I have thoroughly enjoyed my 30 years of being a patient. Keep up the great work and service.
My experience was great, everyone was so nice. Dr. Nathan was very professional and very nice guy.
The absolute best dentist in Grand Ledge!
If you are looking for an exceptional dental practice, this is it.
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Learn More About Dr. Todd K. Baum, DDS, PC
About UsFind Solutions for Chronic Teeth Grinding
Grinding your teeth is more than just an annoyance — bruxism has been known to lead to more severe issues like TMD, which can be responsible for headaches, jaw pain, disturbances in your sleep, and many other problems. Offering a range of viable treatment solutions, including mouth guards and splints, Dr. Baum can help care for your teeth and provide relief from the pain and oral health issues that stem from bruxism. For further information or to request a consultation, contact Dr. Todd K. Baum, DDS, PC in Grand Ledge, MI today.
Bruxism FAQs
What causes teeth grinding?
Bruxism is often caused by stress and anxiety. However, it can also be a result of an abnormal bite, missing or crooked teeth, or sleep disorders. Identifying the underlying cause is crucial to determine the best treatment approach, which is why we recommend scheduling an appointment at our Grand Ledge, MI dental office if you suspect there is something wrong with your dental health.
How can I tell if I have bruxism?
Signs that you might have bruxism include waking up with a sore jaw or a dull headache, teeth that are flattened, chipped, loose, or overly sensitive, and noticeable teeth grinding or clenching, which might be pointed out by a sleep partner. If you notice any of these symptoms, it's a good idea to discuss them with Dr. Baum.
What can happen if you don't treat bruxism?
Untreated bruxism can lead to several complications, including damage to your teeth, such as fracturing, loosening, or loss of teeth. It can also exacerbate jaw disorders and cause or worsen TMD (temporomandibular joint disorders). Letting bruxism go untreated can also result in severe headaches and chronic pain.