Grinding or bruxism is a common sleep and habitual disorder that can cause muscle and jaw joint pain, tooth wear, fractured and cracked teeth, and disturbed sleep. It may be periodic or constant, and is commonly brought on by stress.
In all cases a careful evaluation is needed to assess the extent of your grinding, any damage it may have caused to your teeth, and to assess jaw muscle and jaw joint function.
We often recommend an occlusal splint be fabricated and worn at night. An occlusal splint will protect your teeth, and help alleviate symptoms associated with the jaw muscles and the jaw joint.
