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What is grinding?

Moving the upper teeth and lower teeth back and fourth and applying pressure to both sides. Grinding is also called bruxism.

What causes grinding?

 Grinding is caused by stress and anxiety, sleep disorders, unusual bite, missing or crooked teeth.

What are symptoms of grinding?

Jaw pain, ear pain, headache, muscle tenderness, and teeth sensitivity.

Treatment options for grinding

Your dentist can make a night guard which is placed over your upper or lower teeth and protects your teeth when you sleep. This prevents the upper teeth from contacting the lower teeth. If the grinding is caused by stress, find a way to remove the stress (exercise, meditate etc.). Put a warm, wet washcloth to the side of the face may help relax muscles that have become sore from clenching.