Teeth Grinding Owings Mills, MD

Bruxism is often referred to as “teeth grinding” and affects millions of people. Teeth grinding is an unconscious neuromuscular activity that most people do not realize they are doing. They grind their teeth in their sleep or even unconsciously while they are awake. Approximately 10-15% of Americans moderately to severely grind their teeth. This is one of the common dental concerns we treat in our Owing Mills office.

Dr. Ed Lazer can easily diagnose teeth grinding through a simple visual examination at his Owings Mills, MD dentist office. We provide non-invasive treatment options for bruxism. Learn more about teeth grinding.

Treatment for Teeth Grinding in Owings Mills, MD

There are a number of treatment options for people that have teeth grinding issues. The most important step in treatment is to stop the teeth grinding. Dr. Lazer recommends a night guard or mouthguard for grinding teeth. Your dentist makes these oral appliances from impressions of your teeth. They provide cushioning for the teeth to keep them from grinding against each other.

A night guard will prevent your teeth from wearing down and reduce the strain on your jaw. Even though they are more expensive than over the counter mouthguards, custom made mouthguards from a dentist specifically fit the patient’s teeth and jaw. They also consist of a thicker material, making them more durable.

Once the teeth grinding is under control, then Dr. Lazer will recommend treatment to correct the source of the problem. He will treat missing or misaligned teeth at his Owings Mills, MD dentist office. It is important that the patient takes the necessary steps to reduce stress and anxiety in their life to reduce the occurrences of teeth grinding.

Finally, Dr. Lazer will repair any damaged teeth from teeth grinding. Chronic teeth grinding can leave teeth worn, chipped or broken, and even affect the health of the gums. He offers many restorative procedures, such as:

If you have severe dental problems, your dentist may not be able to save the teeth, and they may require extraction.

Do teeth grow back after grinding?

Teeth do not grow back after grinding. The only way to avoid tooth loss is by wearing a nightguard that is specifically for teeth grinding and clenching protection.

Can teeth fall out from grinding?

Teeth do not fall out from grinding. Tooth enamel is hard and tough. Grinding only wears away the enamel, leaving the teeth with a thin layer of dentin and no protective covering. Teeth can wear down from grinding over time, but they will not fall out. The grinding process is more likely to cause cavities and gum disease than it is to cause teeth to fall out.

Causes of Teeth Grinding

Stress is the most common cause of teeth grinding. Stress can either be from environmental sources and/or stress in the occlusal system. When the teeth, jaw joints, and muscles aren’t working in harmony, it creates tension, which leads to facial pain, headaches, teeth grinding, and other problems. Other reasons people may grind their teeth include the following.

  • Stress
  • Anxiety
  • Sleep disorders
  • Abnormal bite
  • Missing or misaligned teeth
  • Parkinson’s or Huntington’s disease
  • May be associated with alcohol or tobacco abuse

Since most people grind their teeth while sleeping, they may now know the damage they are causing. Teeth grinding can lead to many dental issues and side-effects, including:

  • Frequent morning headaches
  • A broken dental filling or dental crown
  • Loose teeth
  • Daily migraines
  • Sore or painful teeth
  • Worn down teeth
  • Chipped, cracked, or fractured teeth
  • Pain in the jaw or face

Schedule A Dental Exam Today

If you are looking for a dentist who provides teeth grinding treatment in Baltimore and Owings Mills, MD, contact Dr. Lazer with Cosmetic & Advanced Dentistry. We gladly welcome new patients and out-of-town patients. Call us at (410) 697-6290 or request an appointment online today.