Do you wake up with a sore jaw or a headache? Do you notice that your teeth feel worn down, or have your loved ones told you that you grind your teeth at night? You might be one of the many people who suffer from bruxism, a dental concern that causes involuntary teeth grinding or clenching. At Integrated Dental in Sarasota, FL, we help patients understand, manage, and treat bruxism to protect their teeth and improve their oral health.
Bruxism is a common symptom of TMD, or temporomandibular joint disorders. The temporomandibular joints are the small hinges that connect your jawbone to your skull. These joints allow your jaw to move up and down and side to side, letting you talk, chew, and yawn. When these joints or the surrounding muscles are under stress or misaligned, it can cause pain, tension, and teeth grinding.
Signs You Have Bruxism
You can grind your teeth during the day or at night while you sleep. Because nighttime grinding often happens without your knowledge, it can go unnoticed for a long time. Several common signs and symptoms may indicate you have bruxism:
- Worn or damaged teeth
- Jaw pain or stiffness
- Morning headaches or migraines
- Ear pain or ringing
- Indentations on the tongue or inside of the cheeks
- Broken dental restorations
While you may have times when you don’t grind your teeth, several things can trigger episodes of grinding. Triggers for bruxism include:
- Caffeine or alcohol
- Sleep apnea
- Using teeth as tools
- Chewing hard foods or ice
- Nail biting
- Antidepressants
- Irregular sleep schedules
- Misaligned teeth
Please let us know if you notice signs of tooth grinding. We can thoroughly examine your teeth and bite in our office. Then we can recommend the right treatment for you based on the extent of your damage.
Bruxism Treatment in Sarasota, FL
At Integrated Dental, we offer several effective treatments to help manage and reduce teeth grinding. One of the most common and successful treatments is a custom night guard.
A night guard is a comfortable, custom-made mouthpiece that fits over your teeth while you sleep. It acts as a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth, preventing them from grinding against each other. Night guards help reduce jaw strain, protect tooth enamel, and prevent damage to dental restorations.
Our dentists take precise impressions of your teeth to create a night guard that fits snugly and comfortably. Unlike store-bought guards, custom night guards are tailored to your bite and offer maximum protection. Many patients notice a decrease in jaw pain and tooth sensitivity within just a few weeks of consistent use.
In some cases, bruxism is caused by misaligned teeth or problems with the TMJ. We’ll evaluate your bite and jaw function to determine if additional treatment is needed. Bite adjustment procedures or TMD therapy may involve reshaping teeth slightly or using specialized appliances to improve jaw alignment.
How To Treat Pain From Teeth Grinding At Home
We recommend home care in addition to treating bruxism in our Sarasota office. Caring for your teeth, your facial muscles, and your jaw outside the dental office can make a difference in your daily life.
Apply a warm compress
Place a warm washcloth on your jaw muscles to help relax tight muscles and reduce soreness. The heat can increase blood flow to the area, which helps relieve tension and stiffness. Using a warm compress for 10 to 15 minutes a few times a day can make a noticeable difference. This is especially helpful before bedtime to relax your jaw for a better night’s sleep.
Gentle jaw exercises
Stretching and massaging the jaw muscles can relieve tension and improve movement. Simple exercises like opening and closing your mouth slowly or moving your jaw side to side can strengthen the muscles. Massaging the area around your temples and jaw joint can also reduce discomfort. Doing these exercises regularly can help prevent long-term stiffness and pain.
Avoid hard foods
Chewing gum, hard candy, or tough foods can increase jaw strain. Eating softer foods, like yogurt, cooked vegetables, or soups, gives your jaw a break. Avoiding ice or very crunchy snacks can also help reduce pressure on your teeth. Over time, this can prevent further damage and give sore muscles a chance to heal.
Maintain good posture
Sitting upright and keeping your head aligned can prevent unnecessary strain on your jaw. Slouching or leaning forward for long periods can tighten jaw muscles and worsen teeth grinding. Paying attention to how you sit at a desk or use your phone can make a big difference. Good posture can also reduce neck and shoulder tension, which often accompanies jaw pain.
Reduce caffeine and alcohol
These substances can increase muscle tension and the likelihood of nighttime grinding. Limiting coffee, energy drinks, and alcohol in the evening can help relax your jaw muscles. Drinking water or herbal teas instead can support relaxation. Over time, reducing these stimulants can make your sleep more restful and decrease bruxism episodes.
Practice stress management
Relaxation techniques before bed, such as deep breathing or meditation, may help reduce nighttime grinding. Stress is a major trigger for bruxism, and calming your mind can prevent jaw clenching. Other helpful activities include gentle yoga, listening to calming music, or taking a warm bath. Incorporating these habits into your daily routine can improve overall well-being and protect your teeth.
Schedule a Consultation
Relieve bruxism in Sarasota, FL at Integrated Dental. Call our office today at 941-270-9755. You can also request an appointment with our team online. We’re ready to help you.