Does your jaw feel stiff or do you have difficulty
opening your mouth wide? Are your
teeth sensitive to cold drinks? Do your jaw
muscles feel tired in the morning? You may be grinding
your teeth at night (a medical condition called
bruxism) or you may be clenching your teeth, which
can be just as harmful. People with nighttime grinding
habits may wear away their tooth enamel ten
times faster than those without abusive chewing
habits. 1 Eventually, your teeth may be worn down
and destroyed.
In addition to relieving head, neck, jaw joint and
shoulder pains, treating bruxism and clenching is
cost effective compared to ignoring the condition
and exposing teeth to continued grinding.Without
treatment, crowns (caps), bridges, implants and dentures
are often needed to repair or replace worn
and damaged teeth. Ask your dentist if a nightguard
can help to provide temporary relief from grinding,
bruxing or clenching.
1. G.J. Christensen, DDS, MSD, PhD. Treating Bruxism and Clenching,
JADA February 2000:
Patient Brochure
