Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

Stop teeth grinding and jaw pain by seeking treatment for bruxism at Lerner & Lemongello.

Bruxism, or the act of grinding the teeth, typically during sleep, can lead to oral conditions such as jaw pain, damaged teeth, and chronic headaches. At Lerner & Lemongello, Dr. Jay M. Lerner and Dr. Gerard J. Lemongello provide high-quality dental care to patients all across South Florida looking to improve their sleep, eliminate jaw pain, and improve their teeth grinding habits.

What Causes Bruxism?

Bruxism can be caused by a number of factors, including but not limited to stress, nervousness, mood disorders, genetic history, smoking, and even consuming alcohol or caffeine. These conditions can lead to restless sleep that prevents people from getting enough rest to function properly.

What Are the Most Common Symptoms of Bruxism?

While many people grind their teeth at night, a common sign that you may be suffering from bruxism is if your symptoms are a consistent, almost daily condition. Symptoms of bruxism can include:

  • Chipped teeth
  • Facial pain
  • Jaw pain
  • Tension headaches
  • Migraines
  • Sensitive teeth
  • Jaw locking
  • Fatigue
  • Dizziness
  • Exhaustion
  • Inability to sleep throughout the night

How Can Bruxism Be Treated?

Bruxism can be treated in multiple ways. Depending on your dental history and preferences, your dentist may recommend a treatment that differs from other patients. These treatments can include identifying and eliminating stressors from your life, medication, or a mouthguard. As the leading bruxism treatment at Lerner & Lemongello, we recommend nighttime mouthguards to help patients find relief from teeth grinding.

How Does a Night Guard Treat Bruxism?

A night guard is a mouthpiece a patient can wear while they sleep to prevent bruxism. This mouthpiece creates a protective barrier between the teeth, which prevents the upper and lower teeth from touching. This decreases the risk of tooth grinding and can help improve jaw pain and tension headaches while allowing for better sleep.

Will a Night Guard Affect My Breathing When I Sleep?

Many people think a night guard may obstruct their breathing while sleeping, but this should not be the case with a properly fitting night guard. Because your dentist will customize your night guard to fit your bite and teeth, it will provide optimal protection and should not interfere with your breathing.

Am I a Candidate for a Night Guard?

Ideal candidates for a night guard are those who grind their teeth at night and are constantly experiencing headaches, jaw pain, and fatigue from lack of proper sleep. Removal, washable, and easy to use, a night guard is a beneficial treatment that is easily applicable to most patients’ daily routines. If you suffer from sleep apnea, GERD, or a gastrointestinal reflux disorder, a night guard may not be the right treatment for you.

Schedule a Consultation in Palm Beach Gardens, FL Today

If you are ready to stop teeth grinding for good, it’s time to seek treatment at Lerner & Lemongello today. Click here to schedule your virtual consultation, or call (561) 627-9000 to reach a team member at our Palm Beach Gardens location. We are proud to serve patients in the South Florida area.

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