Do you experience constant jaw pain or headaches when you first wake up in the morning?
Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is a chronic condition that may go undiagnosed until damage occurs. Many patients do not realize that they grind their teeth at night leaving their teeth susceptible to excessive wear, breakages or even tooth loss. Patients who grind their teeth often do so due to stress, or a misaligned bite.
You may be unaware that you are grinding your teeth while you sleep.
Signs & Symptoms of Bruxism
Knowing the signs and symptoms of bruxism can allow for early diagnosis and treatment. Patients who treat teeth grinding early on can prevent the development of more complex conditions such as TMJ, gum recession or tooth loss.
Bruxism can also affect children. If you notice your child is grinding their teeth in their sleep it is important to bring this to Dr. Hassan’s attention. Early intervention of bruxism in children can help prevent more complex oral health complications long term.
If you notice that you are experiencing signs of bruxism be sure to let Dr. Hassan know as soon as possible.
- Headaches
- Jaw pain
- Worn teeth
- Tension in the jaw, face, or neck
- Cracked or damaged teeth
- Popping or clicking of the jaw
Treating Bruxism & TMJ
Dr. Hassan provides patients who grind their teeth with a custom mouth guard or splint therapy. Oral sleep appliances are custom mouth guards designed to realign the jaw position to prevent teeth grinding during sleep. Much like a sports mouth-guard, the sleep guard re-positions the teeth into proper alignment to reduce the stress placed on the jaw and bite. Oral sleep appliances can be a suitable treatment options for both children and adult patients.
Patients who suffer from bruxism can benefit from the nightly use of their oral sleep appliance and experience a relief of their painful symptoms associated with teeth grinding. Custom oral sleep appliances provide exceptional results compared to over the counter options.
Teeth grinding is commonly associated with a bite disorder and Dr. Hassan may recommend the use of restorative dental treatment or orthodontics such as Invisalign to realign an uneven bite. The goal of your treatment is to relieve discomfort while also improving your overall dental health.
Request a Consultation
If you have been experiencing chronic headaches or jaw pain, contact Manassas Smiles. Dr. Hassan can help determine the cause of your pain and provide a personalized treatment plan to restore your smile. We accept new patients of all ages from Manassas, Merryfield, Centreville, Clifton, Gainsville, Dale City, Warrenton and surrounding communities.