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100 Main St. Cohoes, NY 12047

Tooth Grinding Cohoes, NY

Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a common dental problem for many patients and a primary cause of damaged and lost teeth when left untreated. Most people grind their teeth at night and as a result, may not realize that they have a problem. Instead, they may notice that they have headaches, sore jaws, or worn teeth.

Cohoes NY dentist Dr. Frederick Marra performs a comprehensive examination of your teeth, gums and jaw joints to identify the underlying cause of teeth grinding and ensure that your treatment provides lasting, comfortable results. Teeth grinding can damage both the teeth and the gums and eventually lead to tooth loss if untreated.

What Is Bruxism?

Bruxism, the medical term for teeth grinding, is often the sign of an underlying bite problem. Although stress is also a primary cause of bruxism, when teeth are misaligned and the bite is out of balance, patients are more likely to grind or clench their teeth. Common signs of bruxism include:

  • Worn teeth
  • Dull or abraded tooth enamel
  • Tooth Sensitivity
  • Broken fillings and/or crowns
  • Headaches, especially in the morning
  • Jaw pain or soreness

Treatment For Teeth Grinding

As with treating a temporomandibular disorder, restoring balance to the bite will provide lasting , comfortable results and help to support long term oral health. Dr. Marra will perform a thorough exam to evaluate a patient’s bite and determine the cause of teeth grinding.

Mouth guard or dental splint: an oral appliance such as a mouth guard or dental splint can reduce stress on the jaw joint and relieve symptoms.

Bite equilibration therapy: bite correction therapy is designed to address tooth damage and misalignment that is affecting the balance of the bite. Dr. Marra may recommend a variety of restorative dental procedures or orthodontics for lasting dental health.