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Bruxism

Do you often experience a headache or an aching jaw when you wake up? It could be an indication of bruxism. Bruxism, also known as nighttime teeth clenching, is a condition during which a person involuntarily clenches their jaw. This condition occurs while a person is sleeping, though it can occur during the day as well, especially during times of stress.

Bruxism can result in several health complications for a person. However, at Janice K. Pliszcsak, DDS, we can prevent it from becoming a serious problem.

Symptoms of Bruxism

If you suspect you have bruxism, it is important that you get it treated immediately. At our office, Janice K. Pliszczak, DDS and Dr. Pliszczak we strongly advise you to pay attention to the signs of bruxism since they can have a negative effect on your teeth as well. Some common symptoms of the condition include:

•	Jaw and facial pain
•	Tooth sensitivity and enamel erosion
•	Jaw that cannot be opened or closed easily
•	Injuries to the inside of the cheek
•	Pain and stiffness around the jaw joints
•	Earache and ache in the temples
•	Fractured and chipped teeth
•	Cracked fillings and crowns
•	Misaligned teeth in case of severe untreated/undiagnosed cases
•	Disturbed sleep
•	A variety of temporomandibular (TMJ) disorders

Causes of Bruxism

The episodes of bruxism occur more commonly at night. Although there is no exact cause that has been identified for bruxism, this condition is often associated with heightened stress, mechanical teeth issues like crooked or broken teeth, and sleep disorders.

Certain anti-depression or psychiatric medications can also trigger bruxism in people. In addition, people who have certain neurodegenerative disorders like Huntington's disease and Parkinson's disease may also suffer from involuntary teeth grinding.

Treatment for Bruxism

A lot of people have bruxism that responds well with mild treatment. Sometimes, the condition resolves on its own if its trigger, like stress or anxiety, has been removed. If your work is very stressful, therapeutic treatment methods can work well for you. These include physical therapy for your jaw, exercises, and meditation.
If you suffer from moderate and severe bruxism, we can treat your teeth with the help of a custom-made night mouthguard that can prevent the side effects of bruxism, including worn enamel, cracked teeth, and an aching jaw.
If your bruxism is because of misaligned teeth, we can solve it by determining whether you require dental crowns, bridges, or some orthodontic treatment that can prevent bruxism.

Medication like muscle relaxants can also help reduce the tension in your jaw and prevent you from clenching your teeth. Some foods like coffee as well as the use of substances including tobacco, alcohol, and drugs, can also increase the symptoms of bruxism, so reducing their use can help you.

If you suspect you suffer from bruxism, timely diagnosis and treatment can help manage the damaging symptoms of this condition and provide you with better dental, physical, and mental health for the long term. At Janice K. Pliszczak, DDS, Janice K. Pliszczak, DDS and Dr. Pliszczak we offer you a variety of treatments to treat this disorder. Call us at (315) 800-5020 to schedule a consultation with us.

What Our Patients Are Saying About Us Janice K. Pliszczak, DDS logo icon

Exceptionally Friendly!!

"You are put at ease the minute you walk into their new office on Broad Rd. Beautiful and calming surroundings. The staff couldn't be more helpful and are extremely friendly. Dr. Pliszczak is exactly what you want in a Dentist. Always concerned with your comfort, I never feel rushed, and I enjoy here friendly manner. And because of all of their meticulously thorough work, My teeth are as healthy as can be!!! Thank you Dr. Pliszczak, Jade and Nancy" ~Roamy F.