Basics of Bruxism

Grinding of your teeth, also known as bruxism can have a variety of causes. Some experts view bruxism as nothing more than a habit. It can also be a result of the body’s reaction when the teeth do not line up or come together properly (malocclusion). If you experience signs and symptoms of bruxism, Dr. Alan Dilsaver, DDS, FAGD at Lehigh Valley Smiles can provide you with an individualized treatment plan.

When diagnosing bruxism, Dr. Dilsaver may ask about your general dental health, what sources of stress you have in your life, and what medicines you take. Second, he will examine you, paying special attention to the muscles in and around your jaw. Finally, Dr. Dilsaver will look at your teeth for evidence of grinding. During this examination, he may also check for tenderness in your jaw muscles and joint.

If you notice yourself grinding or clenching your teeth, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.lehighvalleysmiles.net for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Alan Dilsaver, DDS, FAGD in Easton, PA, call 610-252-7414.

Night Guards from Dr. Alan Dilsaver

At our practice in Easton, PA, we see many patients who suffer from bruxism, or teeth grinding. While many people who grind their teeth do so consciously throughout the day, even more grind their teeth at night while sleeping. Bruxism can cause damage to your enamel, as well as cause jaw pain, headaches and gum irritation, so it is important to treat it. Night guards are usually the best way to prevent grinding’s negative effects.

Similar to mouth guards worn by athletes during sports, night guards provide a barrier between your top and bottom teeth while you sleep. By reducing wear to your teeth and making it harder for you to grind, your teeth will be healthier and you will feel better overall. Dr. Alan Dilsaver provides night guards that are custom made in our lab to provide a fit that is as comfortable as possible. All we require is an impression of your teeth. These guards are very durable and can last for up to 10 years.

If you find yourself frequently waking up with headaches or pain in your jaw, it is very possible that you grind in your sleep. Often those who do not treat their bruxism end up with TMD, which can lead to a change in the appearance of your face. To diagnose and treat your night grinding at Lehigh Valley Smiles, call (610) 252-7414 to schedule an appointment. For more information, please visit www.lehighvalleysmiles.net. 

TMJ

TMJ is an abbreviation for temporomandibular joint, which is the joint that connects your mandible (lower jaw) to your skull at the temporal bone. While many call disorders associated with this joint TMJ, those disorders are more appropriately called TMD (temporomandibular disorder), and TMD can have symptoms that range from teeth grinding and headaches to trouble chewing and pain when opening and closing your mouth. TMD is not only an annoying disorder; it is also a destructive one and can cause serious damage to your teeth if left untreated. Here at Lehigh Valley Smiles, Dr. Alan Dilsaver can determine if you suffer from TMD and offer ways to treat the disorder.

The TMJ controls an assortment of jaw functions, including chewing, so if you’re chewing muscles or the joint itself is in pain, it is possible that you have TMD. TMD is often caused by stress, which leads to unconscious clenching and teeth grinding while awake and asleep. TMD’s symptoms include pain, trouble chewing, lock jaw, headaches or ear pain and a popping or clicking sound when opening your mouth. However, these symptoms may be indicative of other health problems as well, so it is important to see a medical professional for a diagnosis.

Grinding your teeth is an especially worrisome TMD-associated behavior since it can lead to further problems with your mouth. If your teeth grinding is left unaddressed, you will cause serious wear to the enamel of your teeth and expose the dentin, which will make your teeth more sensitive to heat and cold and more susceptible to decay. However, you can work with Dr. Dilsaver to relieve symptoms with mouthguards or nightguards.

If you think that you might be suffering from TMD or teeth grinding in Easton, PA, schedule an appointment with our office by calling (610) 252-7414. For more information, visit www.LehighValleySmiles.com.

TMJ

TMJ is an abbreviation for temporomandibular joint, which is the joint that connects your mandible (lower jaw) to your skull at the temporal bone. While many call disorders associated with this joint TMJ, those disorders are more appropriately called TMD (temporomandibular disorder), and TMD can have symptoms that range from teeth grinding and headaches to trouble chewing and pain when opening and closing your mouth. TMD not only an annoying disorder; it is also a destructive one and can cause serious damage to your teeth if left untreated. Here at Lehigh Valley Smiles, Dr. Alan Dilsaver can determine if you suffer from TMD and offer ways to treat the disorder.

The TMJ controls an assortment of jaw functions, including chewing, so if you’re chewing muscles or the joint itself is in pain, it is possible that you have TMD. TMD is often caused by stress, which leads to unconscious clenching and teeth grinding while awake and asleep. TMD’s symptoms include pain, trouble chewing, lock jaw, headachess or ear pain and a popping or clicking sound when opening your mouth. However, these symptoms may be indicative of other health problems as well, so it is important to see a medical professional for a diagnosis.

Grinding your teeth is an especially worrisome TMD-associated behavior since it can lead to futher problems with your mouth. If your teeth grinding is left unaddressed, you will cause serious wear to the enamel of your teeth and expose the dentin, which will make your teeth more sensitive to heat and cold and more susceptible to decay. However, you can work with Dr. Dilsaver to relieve symptoms with mouthguards or nightguards.

If you think that you might be suffering from TMD or teeth grinding in Easton, PA, schedule an appointment with our office by calling (610) 252-7414. For more information, visitwww.LehighValleySmiles.com.