Bruxism is a condition in which you clench or grind your teeth. Teeth grinding is not only loud and grating, but it can cause significant damage to the teeth. As the surfaces wear down, tooth structure is exposed to decay and infection. The disorder is also a comorbidity of sleep apnea, which in turn is associated with several underlying health conditions.

Ultimately, ignoring teeth grinding will lead to a decline in oral health. The teeth naturally wear down over time, but bruxism speeds up the process. Sufferers may wake up with a sore jaw without knowing the cause. Unless you are alerted to the issue by a partner or family member, bruxism is usually diagnosed as part of a sleep study or comprehensive dental exam.

Teeth Grinding and Clenching Relief

Stiffness in the jaw and damaged teeth can result in oral pain. Seeking relief from an expert dentist is therefore recommended. Dr. Suway of the Atlanta Sleep Apnea Treatment Center is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine (ABDSM), making him trained in the field of treating bruxism.

One potential solution is wearing a custom mouth guard while sleeping. The surfaces of the teeth are prevented from touching, which eliminates advanced wear. Dr. Suway can also explore the underlying causes of bruxism to provide a more permanent solution. In many cases, a misaligned jaw can cause the sufferer to grind teeth. Other possible causes include sleep apnea, weak facial muscles or crooked teeth.

You can rely on the team at the Atlanta Sleep Apnea Treatment Center to provide effective and affordable solutions. Do not allow grinding teeth to disrupt sleep or destroy your smile. Contact our office if you would like to find out if you suffer from bruxism and pursue treatment under the care of Dr. Suway.