Smiles at France

Ask the Expert: Smiles at France 

Topic: Teeth Grinding

Brock Beithon Photography

David Cook, DDS, PA

Q: HOW ARE YOU ABLE TO TELL IF I GRIND MY TEETH?

A: In many cases, I can see when your teeth are damaged, they usually have wear, cracks and some are broken. The most common reason for damaged teeth stems from nighttime or daytime clenching The tell-tale signs of nighttime grinding are when the front teeth are worn short, chipped, loose, or there are rough biting edges. More often though, I see longer-term damage from painless clenching and grinding, this usually shows through a few different scenarios The first one being cracked back teeth that need crowns. The second scenario is having chipped, rough or loose front teeth that may need restoring. Lastly is having tooth sensitivity to cold or pressure. Pain isn't always present but that doesn't mean there is no damage.

Q: WHAT TYPE OF SYMPTOMS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH TEETH CLENCHING & GRINDING? WILL THOSE SYMPTOMS INTERRUPT MY DAILY LIFE?

A: Many have no pain at all. If they have pain, it is typically symptoms of nighttime clenching and grinding contributing to muscle tension headaches, crippling migraines, temporal mandibular joint (TMJ) pain, or even cause you to wake up with a sore jaw or throat pain. It is common for patients to seek help in the early stages of their life when the pain gets unbearable. Those in pain are typically in their teens to early 30s, it is never too late to come in!

Q: CAN THIS HABIT BE STOPPED?

A: Usually this habit can't be stopped because it occurs when you are in an unconscious state of sleeping. However, there are protective treatments options available! These can help lessen any damage. protect your teeth, and relieve your pain.

Q: IS THE TREATMENT EASY?

A: I've been helping patients with grinding their teeth since my very first patient while in dental school. Although the process can be extensive - this is truly routine for us to help with teeth grinding! I strongly suggest getting help early on to prevent further damage.