Bruxism - Teeth Grinding/Clinching

"Keep a stiff upper lip" or "get a grip!" That's often the advice we get-and give-on how to cope with stress.

If you take it literally, the result could be grinding your teeth or clenching your jaws. It's called bruxism, and often it happens as we sleep, caused not just by stress and anxiety but by sleep disorders, an abnormal bite or teeth that are missing or crooked. In the United States, bruxism affects an estimated 30 to 40 million children and adults.

Symptoms include a dull headache or a sore jaw. You could have teeth that are painful or loose from severe grinding. This can lead to fractures in your teeth.

Drs. Thurman and Dahlkemper can fit you with a night guard to protect your teeth during sleep.