Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) Treatment in Ardsley, NY
Do you wake up with a sore jaw, a dull headache, or teeth that feel worn and sensitive? You may be grinding or clenching your teeth, a condition known as bruxism. Many people grind their teeth during sleep without realizing it. At Ardsley Dental Spa in Ardsley, NY , we use advanced bite analysis technology to diagnose bruxism and provide custom treatment that protects your teeth and relieves discomfort.
Book OnlineWhat Causes Teeth Grinding?
Bruxism can happen during the day or at night, and it often has more than one cause:
- Stress, anxiety, and tension
- An uneven or misaligned bite
- Crooked or missing teeth
- Sleep-disordered breathing, including obstructive sleep apnea
- Caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco use
- Certain medications
Signs You May Be Grinding Your Teeth
Common symptoms of bruxism include:
- Jaw pain, tightness, or fatigue, especially in the morning
- Headaches near the temples or migraines
- Flattened, worn, or chipped teeth
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Clicking or popping in the jaw joint
- A partner hearing grinding sounds at night
- Earaches without an ear infection
The Connection Between Bruxism and TMJ
Constant grinding and clenching place heavy stress on the jaw joints and muscles. Over time, this can contribute to TMJ disorders, which may cause chronic jaw pain, limited opening, and facial discomfort. Treating bruxism early can help prevent long-term joint problems.
How We Diagnose Bruxism
Our office uses technology that goes far beyond a visual exam. T-Scan computerized bite analysis measures the timing and force of your bite with 2,200 sensing points to reveal imbalances invisible to the naked eye. Joint Vibration Analysis is a quick, non-invasive test that evaluates the health of your jaw joints. Learn more about our dental technology.
Treatment Options
- Custom night guards: cushion and protect your teeth while you sleep.
- Bite adjustment: balance your bite using T-Scan data to reduce strain.
- Therapeutic injectables: injectables can relax overactive jaw muscles that cause clenching and tension headaches.
- Restorative care: repair worn or damaged teeth with crowns or veneers.
- Sleep apnea treatment: oral appliance therapy when grinding is linked to sleep-disordered breathing.
Dr. Chaudhry has advanced training in TMJ and migraine treatment and will tailor a plan to your symptoms. Browse other conditions we treat.
Teeth Grinding FAQs
How do I know if I grind my teeth at night?
Common signs include waking with jaw soreness or headaches, worn or chipped teeth, increased sensitivity, and a partner hearing grinding sounds. A dental exam can confirm signs of bruxism.
Can teeth grinding damage my teeth?
Yes. Over time, grinding can flatten, crack, and chip teeth, wear down enamel, and damage fillings and crowns.
What is a night guard?
A night guard is a custom-fitted appliance worn while you sleep to cushion your teeth and protect them from grinding forces.
Are custom night guards better than store-bought guards?
Yes. Custom guards are made from precise impressions of your teeth, so they fit comfortably, stay in place, and offer better protection than over-the-counter options.
Can injectables help with teeth grinding?
Injectables can relax the jaw muscles responsible for clenching, which may reduce grinding, jaw pain, and tension headaches for some patients.
Is teeth grinding related to sleep apnea?
It can be. Grinding is sometimes associated with sleep-disordered breathing. If you snore or feel tired during the day, ask us about a sleep apnea evaluation.
Can stress cause teeth grinding?
Yes. Stress and anxiety are some of the most common triggers for both daytime clenching and nighttime grinding.
Protect Your Teeth and Relieve Jaw Pain
Do not let grinding wear down your smile. Call Ardsley Dental Spa at (914) 693-1221 to schedule a bite evaluation in Ardsley, NY and find relief.