Bruxism/Grinding

What Is Bruxism?

Bruxism is the repetitive grinding and clenching of your teeth. Many people do it while they sleep, and some do it during the day. Bruxism can cause pain in the jaw, ear, face, and head. It is considered both a medical and a dental problem, because it affects the teeth, the jaw joint, and the muscles around the jaw.

If you grind or clench your teeth, you may not notice it until someone tells you about the sound or until you wake with a sore jaw. A dental exam can show wear patterns on the teeth that point to grinding, even when you have no pain.

Who Does Bruxism Affect?

Bruxism can affect adults and children. Patients who have jaw tightness, tooth sensitivity, headaches, or worn teeth often ask about it. You may also be concerned about bruxism if a partner has heard grinding at night.

Because bruxism can damage teeth and dental work over time, treatment is best started early. Doctors and dentists have different ideas about the causes, but both agree that teeth grinding should be addressed as soon as possible to limit further damage. Bruxism can lead to broken dentures, loss of teeth, and other problems in the mouth, jaw, and face.

Signs and Symptoms of Bruxism

Many patients notice more than one sign. Common symptoms include:

• Intense or loud clenching of the teeth
• Sensitive teeth
• Chipped or worn down teeth
• Jaw pain and tightness
• Earaches and headaches
• Damaged cheek tissue

If you notice any of these, tell your dentist during your visit. Describe when the symptoms happen, such as on waking, during the day, or after stressful days. This helps your dentist plan your evaluation.

What Causes Bruxism?

The cause of bruxism is not fully settled. Some doctors believe it is linked to stress. Some dentists believe that a misalignment of the teeth contributes to grinding and clenching. Many patients have more than one factor. Your dentist will look at your bite, your teeth, your jaw muscles, and your history to understand what may be behind your symptoms.

What to Expect at Your Visit

Your first step is a consultation. We ask about your symptoms, your daily habits, and any pain you feel in the jaw, ears, face, or head. Your dentist then examines your teeth and gums and checks for wear, chips, and signs of damage to the cheek tissue.

At our office, we use electronic records and cutting-edge technology to support diagnosis. Our team uses high-resolution digital imaging, which improves accuracy while using less radiation than traditional film x-rays. Our office also has a Cerec machine, a CT scan, a diode laser, and Itero scanning technology. Your dentist will explain which tools, if any, are part of your plan and why.

After your exam, your dentist will talk with you about options and answer your questions before any treatment begins. Our team includes Dr. Khaef, Dr. Steven Vu, and Dr. Nguyen, all dentists in our practice.

Custom Mouth Guards for Teeth Grinding

Our office makes custom mouth guards for bruxism. A custom guard is designed to keep the upper teeth from grinding into the lower teeth. It works as a bite pad that you wear during sleep, and it gives an immediate way to reduce the damage that clenching can cause.

A mouth guard does not stop the habit of grinding itself. It protects the teeth and helps reduce the wear that grinding causes. Your dentist will explain how to wear the guard, how often to wear it, and when to return for a check.

Cost, Insurance, and Payment

The cost of bruxism care depends on your exam, your records, and the appliance your dentist recommends. Your out-of-pocket cost depends on your dental plan and what it covers. Coverage rules vary, so we cannot promise what your plan will pay.

Our office honors dental insurance plans, including PPO and indemnity plans, as well as Denti-Cal, Medi-Cal, Smile California, and CalOptima dental plans. Before your visit, we can complete a free insurance eligibility check to help you understand your benefits.

If you do not have coverage for a service, we offer finance plans and 0% financing options. Our team can talk through payment options with you before any treatment starts.

We also have a new patient special: a cleaning exam and x-rays for $59. This offer is for new patients and cannot be combined with other offers or reduced-fee plans. It is separate from bruxism treatment.

Recovery and Aftercare

Many patients adjust to a mouth guard within a short period, but some soreness or a feeling of bite change can happen at first. Tell your dentist if the guard causes pain, if it does not fit well, or if your symptoms do not improve. Your dentist may adjust the guard or schedule a follow-up visit.

Keep your mouth guard clean and store it as your dentist explains. Regular dental checkups allow your dentist to monitor wear and check whether the guard is still doing its job.

Why Patients Choose Pure Santa Ana Dentist

Pure Santa Ana Dentist is a family run practice located at 1125 17th St, Suite E227, in Santa Ana. Our team is focused on pleasant dental care, progressive treatment methods, and a relaxed visit. Our practice philosophy is to treat every patient like family and to give each person clear explanations and attentive service.

We value your time. Our office is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. We offer same-day appointments when they are available, and our team works to keep appointments on time. If you have a dental emergency such as a toothache or a broken tooth, call during office hours and our staff will work to see you the same day. Our office can often be reached after hours for emergencies.

Our team includes Dom Boudreaux, Accounts Manager, Donovan Rodriguez, Lead Dental Assistant, Becky Martinez, Clear Aligner Specialist, and Joel Galindo, Treatment Coordinator. Our team takes part in continuing education to keep up with current dental care.

How to Book Your Bruxism Consultation

If you grind or clench your teeth, or if you have jaw pain, earaches, headaches, or worn teeth, schedule a consultation. You can call our office at (714) 705-6852 during our Monday through Friday hours, or schedule online through our website. Our team will help you choose a time that works for you.

Pure Santa Ana Dentist 1125 17th St Suite E227 Santa Ana, CA 92701 Phone: (714) 705-6852 Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm