Do you often wake up with a sore jaw, headaches, or sensitive teeth? These could be signs of bruxism, a common condition where you grind, clench, or gnash your teeth, often during sleep. While it might seem harmless at first, untreated bruxism can lead to serious dental problems over time. Fortunately, the expert team at St. Mary’s Dental in Mechanicsville, MD—led by Dr. Gina McCray and Dr. Kara McCray Demer—can help you find relief with customized solutions tailored to your needs.
What is Bruxism?
Bruxism is the habitual grinding or clenching of teeth. Most cases occur at night, meaning sufferers are often unaware of their condition until they notice symptoms or a dentist identifies signs of wear on their teeth.
There are two primary types:
- Awake bruxism, which happens when you’re conscious, often during times of concentration or stress.
- Sleep bruxism, which occurs during sleep and is classified as a sleep-related movement disorder.
Although its exact cause can vary, common triggers include stress, anxiety, misaligned teeth, and certain medications.
Signs and Symptoms of Bruxism
Because bruxism often happens unconsciously, recognizing the symptoms is crucial. Some common signs include:
- Jaw pain or stiffness that worsens in the morning or after waking up.
- Headaches, especially dull, tension-like pain around your temples.
- Tooth sensitivity or discomfort from enamel wear.
- Cracked, chipped, or flattened teeth over time.
- Earaches or a sensation of fullness in the ears without infection.
- Disruptions in sleep, sometimes noticed by a partner who hears grinding sounds at night.
If left untreated, bruxism can cause severe damage to teeth and even contribute to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, leading to chronic pain and difficulty in jaw movement.
Why Treating Bruxism is Essential
Ignoring bruxism isn’t just bad for your teeth—it can negatively impact your overall health. Chronic grinding puts excessive pressure on your teeth, gums, and jaw, leading to:
- Premature wear of enamel, increasing the risk of cavities and tooth decay.
- Tooth fractures and potential tooth loss.
- Significant strain on the TMJ, potentially leading to TMJ disorders.
- Poor sleep quality, causing fatigue and irritability.
Treating bruxism early can save you from extensive dental treatments down the road, ensuring your oral health and overall well-being remain intact.
Personalized Solutions at St. Mary’s Dental
At St. Mary’s Dental in Mechanicsville, MD, Dr. Gina McCray and Dr. Kara McCray Demer understand the impact bruxism can have on both your oral health and quality of life. That’s why their practice specializes in diagnosing and addressing the root causes of teeth grinding. One of their most effective solutions is the custom night guard.
Benefits of a Custom Mouthguard
A custom-fit night mouthguard is designed to comfortably fit your teeth, preventing grinding and clenching during sleep. Unlike over-the-counter options, custom guards are made from high-quality, durable materials that last longer and fit more precisely, providing significant benefits:
- Protects your teeth from damage.
- Reduces pressure on the jaw, alleviating pain and discomfort.
- Improves sleep quality by reducing nighttime disturbances.
At St. Mary’s Dental, every mouthguard is tailored to the patient’s unique needs, ensuring optimal comfort and protection. With their help, patients not only preserve their smiles but also achieve lasting relief from associated issues like TMJ pain.
Take the First Step Toward Relief
If you suspect you’re experiencing nighttime teeth grinding, don’t wait for symptoms to worsen. Contact St. Mary’s Dental today to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Gina McCray or Dr. Kara McCray Demer. By addressing bruxism early and using solutions like custom mouthguards, you can prevent long-term damage while enjoying a healthier, pain-free smile.
Contact St. Mary’s Dental:
301-884-3248
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
28169 Old Village Rd
Mechanicsville, Maryland
20659
