Bruxism Treatment Fighting Jaw Pain

Contact Leading Edge Dentistry today to learn more about our dental services.

Many of the patients we see struggle with unconscious grinding and clenching of teeth during the day or while sleeping. There is no one cause of bruxism, but some of the most common candidates include:

  • Stress-related grinding and clenching is most common among patients who react to stress with anger, pain, or aggression
  • Habitual bruxism that usually begins in childhood and may be indicated by other biting habits, like biting finger nails, pencils, lips, or cheeks
  • Orthodontic-related bruxism that occurs due to uneven pressure on teeth

Regardless of the cause of bruxism, a number of serious concerns can arise from untreated cases, including worn teeth and temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Untreated, TMJ dysfunction can be extremely painful and make it difficult for patients to speak clearly or chew comfortably. Women are much more likely to experience bruxism, but teeth grinding affects about 1/3 of the population overall. The Marietta, GA team offers a comfortable, simple solution – nightguards.

Bruxism Warning Signs

  • Sore jaw or impeded jaw mobility that may be indicative of TMJ dysfunction
  • Headaches or neck pain
  • Earaches and potential hearing loss
  • Tooth enamel wear and teeth that appear short or stubby
  • Chips and cracks in teeth

Treating Bruxism with Nightguards

Because bruxism most commonly occurs while patients are asleep, it’s difficult to break the habit on your own. If we discover patients are suffering from unconscious teeth grinding, we offer a quick, comfortable solution – nightguards. These orthotic appliances are custom crafted to fit patients’ individual smiles. The nightguard places a physical barrier between teeth so patients’ grinding and clenching does not cause damage. In some cases, we may also encourage stress management, massages, physical therapy, and other alternative therapies.

Contact our dedicated team at Leading Edge Dentistry to find out more about the comprehensive dentistry services at our Marietta, GA practice or to schedule an appointment with our team. If you experience any of the warning signs and symptoms of bruxism, call us right away. Diagnosing and treating bruxism in the earliest stages helps patients keep their smiles whole and healthy for life.

Reviews

What Our Other Patients Are Saying

cathryn Abney
cathryn Abney
December 6, 2022
Great work, great staff!
Charlotte Fairchild
Charlotte Fairchild
November 18, 2022
If you like pretty teeth, smart dentists and gentle dental hygienists, with no amalgams, this is the best place for dental work!
Jane Sullivan
Jane Sullivan
March 29, 2022
Dr. Howard has been my dentist for many years. He and his staff are always welcoming, knowledgeable and highly competent, while ensuring my comfort and health.
Chris Hall
Chris Hall
March 29, 2022
HIGHLY RECOMMEND! This office is amazing! When I arrive for my hygiene visits, the front staff is always very friendly! I don’t have to wait long for the hygienist to bring me back and throughout the visit she explains each step. The doctor is very thorough in reviewing the recommended treatment. When I had to have treatment completed- the doctor explained each step of the procedure. The numbing injection was painless and they made sure I was comfortable throughout the procedure. My whole family (including my 2 kids) does not mind visiting the dentist anymore. Dr. Howard and his team are wonderful!
Amy Bishop
Amy Bishop
August 19, 2021
I have been a patient for 25+ years. Dr. Howard and his staff are wonderful. He makes sure that any procedure is painless. I recently had some cosmetic dentistry work performed and could not be more pleased with the results. The changes look very natural and I wish I had done it sooner. Dr. Howard spent a lot of time designing a new smile for me. He provided pictures of what to expect afterwards and it exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend Leading Edge Dentistry. They are true professionals.
shirley mayfield
shirley mayfield
February 23, 2021
Every time I go to Dr. Howard for dental care I am greeted with smiles and kind words. The front desk staff are always willing to help. I never wait for more than 5 minutes. The clinical staff are excellent at their job and taking care of my needs as well. All my questions are answered. The staff and Dr. Howard makes sure I am comfortable before and during any procedure. Dr. Howard is an extremely knowledgeable and gifted dentist. I am always pleased with the results and feel I am getting the best care around. They truly are a group worth smiling about.
Mark Telling
Mark Telling
November 17, 2020
I've been a patient of Dr. Howard's for many years and have received outstanding care by him and his staff. He has done excellent work on various crowns and I highly recommend his practice for all your dental needs.
Brenda Purcell
Brenda Purcell
May 20, 2020
I had my regular dental check up at Dr. Howard's practice yesterday since this pandemic stuff started. I was a little nervous, because this was my first visit to an establishment like this since the shutdown. I had nothing to worry about. It was an extremely pleasant experience and I felt comfortable from the very initial contact. The office staff were efficient, and made the revised check-in process to ensure the pandemic procedures were followed seem effortless. I only had to wait a couple of minutes for my appointment and was seated in a separate room from other in-coming patients. During the COVID-19 shutdown, Dr. Howard kept his patients informed on all the additional precautions he was taking to ensure that both patients and staff are protected from the virus. I was very impressed with his efforts and the new ventilation system. The office, while always clean and fresh, seemed even more so, if possible. I felt totally comfortable during the whole visit. I trust Dr. Howard and his staff and appreciate all they do.
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