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Bruxism Chester Springs PA

Millions of people grind their teeth. Called bruxism, teeth grinding, can lead to serious problems including jaw disorders, headaches, and damaged teeth when left untreated.

Receiving dental services in Chester Springs, Pennsylvania is easy and convenient when you visit Dr. Jason Petkevis Comprehensive Dentistry. Dr. Petkevis is specially trained to treat patients who are dealing with jaw and TMJ issues.

Identifying the Signs of Teeth Grinding

Bruxism is best treated by a qualified dentist. Dr. Jason Petkevis has devoted much of his post-graduate training towards the diagnosis and treatment of occlusal disorders including teeth grinding and TMJ dysfunction.

Dr. Petkevis can easily diagnose teeth grinding through a comprehensive exam.

Signs and Symptoms of Teeth Grinding

  • Worn, flat, or chipped teeth
  • Abraded tooth enamel
  • Sensitive teeth
  • Jaw pain or tightness in the jaw muscles
  • Earache
  • Headache
  • Facial pain
  • Cuts or sores on the inside cheek

The TMJ, or the temporomandibular joint, is the joint that connects the top and bottom jaws. The TMJ is what causes the mouth to open and close. TMJ is also the term used to describe jaw disorders that keep it from functioning properly. The nerves in the face and neck are also affected when a patient has TMJ, often resulting in frequent headaches or earaches, neck, and facial pain.

Treatment for Teeth Grinding in Chester Springs, PA

Stress is the primary cause of teeth grinding. Lifestyle changes and relaxation techniques may help to reduce or stop your teeth grinding. In many cases, though, professional treatment is needed to correct the source of the problem and repair damage caused by teeth grinding.

  • Bite Guard – Dr. Petkevis frequently uses a teeth grinding mouthguard, or bite guard, to stop teeth grinding. A bite guard is a customized, removable appliance similar to a sports mouthguard that is made to fit over your teeth and prevent teeth grinding. Most bite guards are worn at night, however, some patients wear their teeth grinding mouth guards during high-stress situations such as while driving.
  • Bite Alignment Therapy – Dr. Petkevis is among the most experienced TMJ dentists in the Philadelphia area, providing a broad range of services to correct the causes of teeth grinding. Malocclusion, or improper alignment of the teeth, is one cause for teeth grinding. Teeth can be corrected to proper alignment through the use of invisible braces, dental crowns, porcelain veneers, or dental implants.
  • Cosmetic Dentistry to Repair Damage – Once the teeth grinding causes have been successfully treated, the dentist will focus on repairing damage caused by teeth grinding. Chronic teeth grinding can leave teeth worn, chipped, or broken. Dr. Petkevis may repair teeth using dental crowns, porcelain veneers or cosmetic bonding.

Schedule an Appointment to Stop Teeth Grinding

If you or someone you love is suffering from teeth grinding, schedule a consultation with Chester Springs dentist Dr. Jason Petkevis. A simple bite analysis and consultation can reveal whether or not your teeth grinding is caused by TMJ dysfunction and you can be well on your way to much-needed relief.

Call 610–400–1459 or Schedule an appointment to treat teeth grinding.

Teeth Grinding FAQs

Should I visit the dentist if I grind my teeth?

Yes! A dentist can help you stop the grinding and repair any damage it caused. If you notice pain in your jaw, mouth or neck, you should schedule a visit with Dr. Petkevis. He can diagnose a patient with bruxism by visually examining their teeth. Dr. Petkevis has diagnosed many patients and helped them with their grinding using various dental treatments. A bite guard is the easiest and most convenient way to protect your teeth while you sleep.

Is it normal for my child to grind their teeth?

You may be surprised to learn that many children grind their teeth. In children, teeth grinding is typically not treated since most children will outgrow it. The most common reason children grind their teeth is because they are out of alignment. However, if you notice your child still grinding by the time their adult teeth come in, you may need to address other causes such as stress, anxiety, hyperactivity and possibly look into aligning their teeth.

Is teeth grinding linked to anything more serious?

Your teeth grinding may be caused by sleep apnea, a sleep disorder that causes a person to periodically stop breathing in their sleep. When a person stops breathing, it may releases stress hormones that may cause a person to tense up and grind their teeth together. Dr. Petkevis also offers treatment for sleep apnea. He offers custom made night guards to help open up your air way and eliminate all your sleep apnea symptoms.