What Causes Bruxism?
Several different factors can cause bruxism, including the following:
Physical
If your teeth are not properly aligned, you may be prone to involuntary grinding.
Physiological
If you have Huntington’s or Parkinson’s disease, bruxism could be a complication of your disease.
Psychological
If you have anxiety or stress, you may grind your teeth or clench your jaw.
Medication
If you take certain types of medication, you might be more likely to get bruxism.
Sleep
If you have obstructive sleep apnea or some other sleep disorder, you are more likely to develop bruxism.
Lifestyle
If you smoke, drink, or use recreational drugs, you may experience bruxism as a result.
Symptoms and Treatment Options
The symptoms of bruxism include the following:
- Worn tooth enamel
- Flat, broken, or chipped teeth
- Headache or earache
- Sore jaw and facial muscles
- Sore neck and shoulder muscles
- Tooth sensitivity
- Trouble opening your mouth
Depending on what is causing your bruxism, your Fort Collins dentist can recommend different treatment options. If a misaligned bite is causing your bruxism, they may be able to correct your bite with orthodontics, crowns, or fillings. However, if stress is the cause of your bruxism, you may need to learn coping mechanisms or seek therapy.
If your bruxism is involuntary, we can create an occlusal splint or nightguard that fits over your teeth. When you’re sleeping, this mouthguard will help relieve the tension on your jaw joints by keeping your upper and lower teeth from coming into contact with each other.
Looking for Bruxism Treatment in Fort Collins?
If you need bruxism treatment and you live in Fort Collins or the surrounding area, Centre Family Dentistry is ready to take your call! We can assess your oral health needs and create a treatment plan that works for you. Please get in touch with our dental office at (970) 407-1001 for more information or to schedule an appointment.