We provide diagnosis and treatment of teeth grinding

Eating your favorite foods shouldn’t impact the health of your teeth because, during normal chewing and biting, the contact between teeth is minor. However, some patients who have conditions such as bruxism (teeth grinding or clenching) experience excessive contact between the teeth that can cause wear and tear. Patients who grind and clench their teeth will find that they have worn, chipped, or broken teeth or restorations on a regular basis. To address this, Drs. Ty Jaros, Jacob Gubrud and Robert Gemmell may suggest these patients wear an oral appliance to protect their teeth from bruxism.

Why am I grinding teeth at night?

Many patients who have bruxism might not even know until a dentist evaluates them. Ty Jaros, Jacob Gubrud and Robert Gemmell can often spot the signs of this condition just by physically examining the smile and noting the patient’s dental history. Bruxism is often a subconscious habit that happens during the night when patients sleep. This makes it essential for patients to wear a mouthguard for sleeping to protect the teeth and reduce the tension in the surrounding muscles. Mouthguards can be an effective bruxism treatment.

What are some signs and symptoms of bruxism?

Below are several of the most common signs and symptoms of this condition:

  • Sore jaw and muscles upon awakening
  • Morning headaches or migraines
  • Enlarged jaw muscles
  • Worn-down teeth or regularly broken or lost dental restorations
  • Chronic pain experienced in the jaw joint and surrounding area
  • Popping and clicking of the jaw when eating or speaking
  • Temporomandibular joint disorder diagnosis (often coexists with bruxism)

Bruxism treatment

Patients who have this condition due to higher stress levels may find relief by managing their stress better during the day or eliminating stressors that might contribute to the problem. Some patients cannot control bruxism, which is when an oral appliance might be recommended as a treatment option.

Call Distinctive Dentistry today!

Eugene, OR patients considering quality dental solutions such as protecting the teeth from bruxism are welcome to book a consultation visit with Drs. Ty Jaros, Jacob Gubrud and Robert Gemmell by calling (541) 689-1287. The practice is located at 1775 River Road and accepts new patients.