Chicago Dentist - Tooth Grinding

Tooth Grinding (Bruxism)

Tooth grinding, or bruxism, is a function of stress that often becomes a subconscious habit during sleep. Most people who grind their teeth are often unaware of the problem until the resultant pain becomes impossible to ignore. Symptoms are similar to those caused by TMJ. If ignored, bruxism can result in substantial muscle pain and increased difficulty eating and speaking.

Bruxism is a surprisingly common ailment, especially among people who live high pressure lives –and more and more that includes most of us. Fortunately, the remedy is simple and relatively inexpensive: a mouth guard, or “night guard” as they are sometimes called. A customized mouth guard can cost anywhere from $250 to more than $500, depending on where you live and your dentist’s fee structure. The mouth guard, which most people can wear without disturbing their sleep, protects teeth from wearing down even if the patient continues to grind. The mouth guard actually reduces these grinding movements by opening the bite a few millimeters, which adjusts muscle play and makes it more difficult to grind the jaws. Though devices like mouth guard can help alleviate the problem, they rarely stop it altogether.

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