Grinding and the damage It can do

Several patients have come in with painful TMJ's ( Jaw Joints) and several painful teeth. The usual culprit is added stress in their lives and they are grinding their teeth. If one tooth hurts it usually is from decay or gum disease that is located right at that site. If several teeth all of a sudden start to hurt it usually is from grinding ( bruxism) or clenching.

We can treat this condition with a nightguard which is like the guard sports players wear, but lighter, thinner and less bulky. It will protect the teeth from damage done while sleeping or from a daytime habit that the patient is unaware of. It is always smart to see a dentist regularly before pain occurs, but if pain does start do not ignore it. It will usually get worse and more complex to fix.