Solutions for Teeth Grinding in Lutz, Land O’Lakes, Wesley Chapel & Zephyrhills

Teeth GrindingTeeth grinding and clinching is known by the scientific term bruxism, a Greek word for “teeth gnashing.” Everyone clinches or grinds their teeth occasionally, of course. It’s when this habit becomes uncontrollable that problems can occur, especially when the bruxism takes place during sleep. Grinding or clinching the teeth uncontrollably can cause serious health problems, including tooth damage, ear infections, and disorders of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). At Serenity Dental, we are dedicated to helping patients work through their bruxism issues and to repairing any oral damage that may have arisen as a result.

There is not a consensus about what causes habitual teeth grinding, but it is believed to be related to the patient’s daily stress level. Because everyone experiences a certain level of stress every day – and many people tend to clinch their jaws when under stress – diagnosing bruxism can be tricky. There are, however, several tell-tale signs that bruxism could be an issue. These symptoms include:

  • Chronic sore jaw
  • Chronic headaches
  • Chronic earaches
  • Sensitivity to heat, cold, or sweetness in the teeth
  • Anxiety, stress, and/or depression
If you live in the Tampa Bay area and you believe your teeth grinding or clinching has progressed beyond the normal range, or if you experience any of the symptoms listed above, contact Serenity Dental. We were founded in 2004 with the goal of providing a comforting, affordable dental office experience to every patient, and that holds particularly true for those suffering from TMJ disorders and other symptoms of bruxism.