Teeth Grinding Symptoms and How to Find Relief

Bruxism is a common condition shared by children and adults alike. While occasional teeth grinding isn’t cause for alarm, consistent teeth grinding, especially at night during sleep, can lead to jaw ache and tooth damage.

At Proffitt Dentistry in Maryville, Tennessee, we can diagnose nighttime bruxism by the impact it’s having on your oral health. We also offer bruxism solutions to protect your teeth and relieve discomfort. If you live in Maryville or the surrounding communities of Knoxville, Gatlinburg, Seymour, Tellico, Alcoa, Vonore, Lenoir City, or Madisonville, Tennessee, we invite you to visit our clinic for bruxism diagnosis and care.

Understanding Bruxism

Teeth grinding occurs when your bottom teeth rub against your upper teeth, either consciously during the day or unconsciously at night. Stress is a common trigger for bruxism, but it can also be caused by misaligned teeth, sleep disorders, or certain medications. Lifestyle habits like smoking and drinking can also aggravate this condition. Many people aren’t even aware they have nighttime bruxism until informed by their dentist or significant other.

Some common symptoms of grinding your teeth in your sleep are:

Headaches or jaw ache the next day
Discomfort when chewing
Disrupted sleep
Earaches
Worn teeth
Damaged tooth enamel

Call Our Office for More Information

New Patients: (865) 432-0804 | Existing Patients: (865) 982-2421
REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT

Bruxism Care

Fortunately, there are dental solutions to nighttime bruxism to relieve discomfort and protect your smile. One simple solution is to use a night guard while you sleep. Night guards are protective devices worn over your upper teeth to protect them from damage by your lower teeth at night. Dr. William Proffitt can have this device custom-fitted for your use. A customized night guard will be more comfortable to wear and provide better teeth protection.

Managing your stress levels and cutting back on smoking and alcohol consumption may also help relieve bruxism symptoms. For severe cases of nighttime bruxism, we may recommend muscle relaxants to manage your condition.