Today millions of adults in America unknowingly grind their teeth while sleeping or during stressful situations. It is also common for athletes when playing intensely. For many teeth grinding is a natural reaction to perceived stress, but it can also be a result of a more serious dental condition.
New Orleans, LA dentists Dr. Maria Burmaster and Dr. Valerie Hemphill have extensive training in the diagnosis and treatment of teeth grinding, also known as bruxism. Addressing bruxism is important to avoid eventual damage to the teeth and gums– even tooth loss.
Through thorough examination for the signs of teeth grinding and discussing possible symptoms patients may be experiencing, Dr. Burmaster and Dr. Hemphill can identify the root cause of bruxism. This enables them to recommend a plan of treatment that can provide comfortable, lasting results and restore oral health.
Bruxism Signs and Symptoms
- Frequent headaches
- Earaches and neck pain
- Jaw pain and tenderness
- Worn, chipped or flat looking teeth
- Locked jaw
There are a variety of ways to treat teeth grinding, depending on the status of dental health and the cause. The most common is a custom mouth guard to be worn at night or during stressful situations which will prevent teeth grinding and jaw clenching and reduce or eliminate the associated symptoms. For athletes, wearing a custom sports mouth guard can alleviate stress put on the teeth during play- this has also been shown to improve performance.
Dr. Burmaster and Dr. Hemphill may recommend restorative procedures such as dental crowns, tooth bonding, or orthodontics to realign the bite if necessary, as well as to repair damage from bruxism that can compromise the integrity of the teeth.
At Barataria Dental we emphasize the importance of maintaining oral health, including keeping the natural teeth for as long as possible. Treating bruxism will relieve symptoms that can affect daily life and restore your dental health!
If you think you may grind your teeth or have noticed some of the signs and symptoms mentioned, schedule an appointment with Dr. Burmaster or Dr. Hemphill in New Orleans, Louisiana.