Teeth Grinding

Why Do People Grind Their Teeth?

Teeth grinding is not uncommon, but it can be a worrisome condition if left unattended. The most common cause is anxiety and stress. For some people, grinding occurs at night. In these cases, it is often brought on by crooked teeth, missing teeth, or an abnormal bite. If you suffer from sleep apnea, you are at a higher risk of developing this condition as well.

Symptoms of Teeth Grinding

As noted, many people don’t know they are grinding their teeth. Grinding, which is the downward pressure on the teeth so they move against each other, often with significant force, causes several symptoms:

• You have a dull but a constant headache.
• You wake up with pain or soreness in the jaw.
• Your loved one hears you doing it.

Our dental team will look for signs of teeth grinding during your exam. This includes tenderness in the jaw or significant wear on the teeth. Tooth wear is very common in those who grind frequently.

Why Is Teeth Grinding Bad for Your Oral Health?

Tooth wear is a good reason not to grind your teeth. It often causes an increased risk of cavities and damage to the tooth root. More so, this condition can cause the teeth to become loose or fall out. You may need bridges or crowns, or more invasive implants to correct the problem.

How Can Your Castro Valley Dentist Help?

When you visit your Castro Valley dentist, you will work closely with our team to find teeth grinding solutions right for your needs. We may recommend the use of an oral device that stops the teeth from touching each other at night. This is one of the most common teeth grinding solutions available. Repairing the cause, such as fixing misalignment, as well as practicing not positioning your teeth against each other, can also help.

When you come in to see your dental team, we’ll provide you with a diagnosis and treatment plan both for the grinding and the damage it causes.