Can Muscle Relaxants Stop Teeth Grinding? Exploring Bruxism Treatment Options

Have you ever noticed yourself clenching your teeth involuntarily during the day? Or perhaps your sleeping partner has told you that you grind your teeth at night when you’re sleeping. If this resonates with you, you may have a dental condition called bruxism. 

Understanding Bruxism

Many people occasionally grind their teeth, but that doesn’t mean they have bruxism. Bruxism is a condition in which people grind their teeth or clench their jaws without being conscious of it. Most bruxism sufferers grind their teeth during the nighttime when they’re sleeping. In severe cases, people with bruxism can grind their teeth up to 100 times a night. Severe cases of bruxism can cause serious damage to the teeth and jaw. 

How to Know If You Are Living With Bruxism

You may not know you have bruxism, particularly if you sleep alone most nights. However, there are some symptoms that may tell you bruxism is a problem for you, especially if you suspect you’re grinding your teeth while you sleep. These include:

• Jaw pain or soreness
• Frequent headaches
• Wear or damage on your teeth
• Sensitive teeth
• Tinnitus or earaches
• Tired or tight jaw muscles
• Disrupted sleep

Complications Bruxism Causes

Bruxism can cause many worrying issues. For example, your teeth can become damaged or worn down. In some cases, bruxism can even cause you to crack or chip a tooth. This can result in eventual tooth loss. If you live with bruxism, you are at increased risk of developing TMJ disorder, which causes clicking, locking, and pain in the jaw. Headaches are also a common problem with bruxism, as are facial pain and sleep deprivation. Bruxism sometimes causes receding gums because of the pressure from teeth grinding. 

Muscle Relaxants For Bruxism

Some medications can give you relief from bruxism. If your dentist thinks you might benefit from medicine, they may refer you to a medical professional for prescriptions such as muscle relaxers. For some patients, muscle relaxers are an effective bruxism treatment. This results in improved sleep quality, fewer headaches, and minimized jaw pain. 

Custom Nightguards

Many dentists provide teeth-clenching night guards, which can be one of the most effective treatments for bruxism. Night guards are custom-designed and made from durable plastic. This oral appliance fits comfortably and precisely in your mouth, so there is almost no discomfort for the patient. Nightguards are also an affordable solution. 

Options if Bruxism Has Damaged Your Teeth

Has bruxism already damaged your teeth? You can restore your smile and functionality with dental veneers or porcelain crowns. Veneers are thin shells made from porcelain. These are bonded to your teeth to disguise many imperfections, including teeth that have been worn down. A porcelain crown can also be used in the same way for back teeth. 

Your Teeth Grinding Treatment in Libertyville, IL

Living with bruxism has a profound impact on not just your teeth but other areas of your health as well. Dr. Sam Weisz and the team at Libertyville Dental Associates in Libertyville, Illinois, have solutions for you. Contact us at (847) 349-4306 to schedule your consultation today. You can also use our online form to book an appointment. 

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