2. Roderick Garcia, DMD, operates a private dentistry
practice in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he offers
a variety of services. In addition to regular checkups
and cleanings, Roderick Garcia, DMD, also sees
patients concerned about bruxism.
Individuals with bruxism grind or clench their teeth,
sometimes to such a degree that they experience
problems as a result. Many times this clenching
occurs during the nighttime hours, but it also might
happen during the day, particularly during periods of
stress. As a result, the person might suffer jaw pain
or headaches, or have teeth than have been ground
down flatter than what is normal.
3. If an individual believes he or she might have
bruxism, it is important to see a dentist for
an evaluation. Depending on the degree to
which tooth enamel has been eroded, the
dentist may recommend different treatments.
In severe cases, dental crowns might be
necessary to protect the teeth from further
damage, while in minor cases, the doctor
might advise such methods as wearing a
mouth guard at night for protection.