Frequently Asked Questions

This extensive list of Your Questions should answer some of the questions you may have about our practice. We always recommend that you call us for an appointment if you have concerns about your oral health. For answers to questions not listed here, please email our doctors.

Teeth Grinding & Night Guards

Q: I have a habit of grinding my teeth and it's starting to cause problems. Is there anything the dentist can do to help?

A: Grinding, or bruxism, is common. We can determine the extent of your grinding by examining your teeth. A single treatment or combination of treatments may be appropriate. When stress is the major cause of bruxism, it is important to determine what causes your stress and how to alleviate it. In some cases, an abnormal bite may be the reason for teeth grinding. Minor adjustments to alter your bite, thus removing the "high spots" of a tooth, can help.  If you develop facial pain, headaches, or other TMJ (temporo-mandibular joint) problems, contact us for an appointment.

Q: What about night guards? Are they effective?

A: Plastic mouth guards worn at night can prevent damage caused by bruxism (teeth grinding). A custom night guard is a removable plastic device that prevents teeth from coming together while you sleep at night. In some cases, such as with an overbite, it may eventually improve the bite. Our doctors are trained to help you with TMJ dental conditions and can help you find a solution.