Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) Treatment in South Hadley, MA
Many people grind or clench their teeth while they sleep without ever realizing it. Over time, this habit, known as bruxism, can wear down enamel, crack teeth, damage fillings, and leave you with headaches and a sore jaw. At Baltazar Dental, Dr. Felicia Baltazar identifies the signs of grinding during routine exams and protects your smile with custom-fitted night guards and restorative care for teeth that have already been damaged.
Signs You May Be Grinding Your Teeth
- Waking up with a sore jaw, tired facial muscles, or a dull headache
- Teeth that look flattened, worn, or shorter than they used to
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- A partner hearing grinding sounds while you sleep
- Indentations along the sides of your tongue
What Causes Bruxism?
Teeth grinding is often linked to stress and anxiety, but it can also be associated with sleep disturbances, an uneven bite, certain medications, caffeine and alcohol use, and habits that develop during periods of intense concentration. Children sometimes grind their teeth as well, and many outgrow it.
How Grinding Damages Your Teeth
The forces created by grinding and clenching are far greater than normal chewing forces. Night after night, this pressure can wear through enamel, loosen or break fillings, fracture teeth, and strain the jaw joints. In severe cases, damaged teeth may need porcelain crowns or inlays and onlays to restore their shape and strength.
Custom Night Guards for Teeth Grinding
A custom night guard is a thin, durable appliance that fits over your teeth and creates a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth while you sleep. Unlike store-bought boil-and-bite guards, a custom guard is made from impressions of your teeth for a precise, comfortable fit that stays in place and protects more effectively.
Repairing Grinding Damage
If grinding has already affected your teeth, we can restore them with dental bonding for minor chips and wear, cracked tooth repair, crowns, or other restorations. Regular cleanings and exams allow us to monitor wear and catch problems early. We use intraoral camera images to show you exactly where wear is occurring. Explore more conditions we treat.
Teeth Grinding FAQs
How do I know if I grind my teeth at night?
Common clues include waking with jaw soreness or headaches, worn or flattened teeth, new sensitivity, and a partner noticing grinding sounds. Dr. Baltazar can also identify signs of wear during an exam.
Is teeth grinding harmful?
Yes. Chronic grinding can wear down enamel, crack teeth, damage fillings and crowns, and strain the jaw muscles and joints.
What is the difference between a custom night guard and a store-bought one?
A custom night guard is made from impressions of your teeth for a precise, comfortable fit. Store-bought guards are bulkier, may not stay in place, and often provide less effective protection.
Will a night guard stop me from grinding?
A night guard doesn’t always stop the grinding habit itself, but it protects your teeth from damage and can ease the strain on your jaw muscles.
Can stress cause teeth grinding?
Yes. Stress and anxiety are among the most common contributors to bruxism, along with sleep issues, caffeine, alcohol, and bite problems.
Can worn teeth from grinding be repaired?
Yes. Depending on the damage, worn or chipped teeth can be restored with bonding, fillings, inlays and onlays, or porcelain crowns.
Where can I get a night guard in South Hadley, MA?
Baltazar Dental in South Hadley, MA provides custom night guards and repairs grinding-related damage. Call (413) 538-7546 to schedule an appointment.
Protect Your Teeth While You Sleep
Stop grinding damage before it leads to costly repairs. Call Baltazar Dental at (413) 538-7546 to ask about a custom night guard from Dr. Baltazar in South Hadley, MA .