St. Paul TMJ Dentist Reviews Dangers of Teeth Grinding

Written by Drs. Mark and Rachel Malterud on Oct 21, 2014

Do you grind your teeth? Many people do without being aware that it’s happening. When looking for treatments for chronic teeth grinding, patients at our Highland Park, MN TMJ Dentistry office have multiple options which may be appropriate. Our goal is to work with you until we find the method that is most effective for your specific needs and provides a long-term solution to chronic teeth grinding.

Do over-the-counter solutions work? 

We know that our patients are looking for the best solution to their problem that is also the most cost effective and fits their budget. If you want to achieve the best possible results, you really need to consider the quality of the results achieved.

There are generic over-the-counter products that claim to reduce teeth grinding. They may be tempting because they seem to be cost-effective, but they may not be enough to truly solve your teeth grinding problem.

At Highland Park, MN TMJ Dentistry we want you to have all the information you need, so Here are some things to keep in mind before purchasing mouth guards from your local pharmacy or supermarket.

Since mouth guards purchased over the counter are not custom-fit, they often slip and shift during the night. Unfortunately this may cause more problems than it solves.

Mouth guards purchased from your local pharmacy are just not very durable. If you persistently grind your teeth you will likely need to replace the mouth guard frequently.

Mouth guards only reduce the symptoms of bruxism. They do not cure it. 

Cost-Effective Treatment Options

The most effective treatment for you might include a custom appliance, stress relief, dental restorations, or some combination of these treatments. Whichever option we decide best suits your needs it will prevent any further damage to your teeth due to grinding or clenching.

These treatments will also gradually train you to be aware of the habit. This in turn will decrease your tendency to do so. The goal is to eventually eliminate the problem causing your bruxism. In the long-term the best solution is one that solves the underlying problem and doesn’t just reduce symptoms.

Please Contact us to Arrange a Consultation 

If you are experiencing the symptoms of teeth grinding or clenching, please contact our office. We will schedule a consultation with our dentist to discuss your situation and the best treatment options for you.