Not Sure if You Grind Your Teeth? Visit Your Dentist ASAP to Find Out!

Over time, teeth grinding can have some pretty serious consequences for your oral health. It can wear away at your tooth enamel, leading to dental sensitivity, shortened teeth, and an increased risk of chips and cracks. It can even cause gum recession and damage to the underlying jawbone. Unfortunately, many people grind their teeth at night — and they might not even know if they do it! Do you grind your teeth? Right now is the time to visit your dentist to find out.

Signs You Might Grind Your Teeth

While teeth grinding often goes unnoticed until a dentist identifies it, there are several signs that could indicate you are engaging in this activity:

• Waking up with a sore or tight jaw
• Frequent headaches, especially in the morning
• Unexplained tooth sensitivity
• Flattened, chipped, or worn-down teeth
• Jaw pain or clicking when opening and closing your mouth
• Indentations on your tongue or the inside of your cheeks
• Increased tooth mobility
• Gum recession

If you notice one or more of these symptoms, it is a good idea to bring them up at your next dental visit.

How Your Dentist Can Diagnose and Treat Teeth Grinding

Your dentist has the training and tools to spot signs of teeth grinding that you may miss. During your checkup, your dentist will examine your teeth, gums, and jaw for evidence of bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching). Diagnostic methods might include:

• Visual examination of tooth surfaces for unusual wear
• Checking for jaw muscle tenderness or enlargement
• Reviewing your dental history and symptoms
• Using advanced imaging technology

When it comes to treatment, your dentist can recommend several options to help protect your smile:

• Custom night guards to cushion your teeth while you sleep
• Stress management techniques to reduce jaw clenching
• Adjustments to your bite, if needed
• Repairing damaged teeth to restore their function and appearance

By following your dentist’s recommendations, you can help minimize further damage and discomfort.

Use Your 2025 Dental Insurance to Protect Yourself from Teeth Grinding

If you have dental insurance, now is a great time to schedule a visit and discuss teeth grinding concerns with your dentist. Most dental insurance plans partially or fully cover preventive exams, cleanings, and sometimes even night guards or restorative treatments related to bruxism. Take advantage of your policy before the year ends to maximize your coverage and avoid missing out on any unused benefits.

Here are some tips for using your insurance:

• Check your plan’s coverage for night guards or other bruxism treatments
• Book your appointment early to get ahead of the busy end-of-year season
• Ask your dentist for a detailed estimate before starting treatment

Teeth grinding should not go unaddressed! Use your remaining insurance benefits to find out if you have this problem and how your dentist can protect your smile.

Meet the Practice

Dr. Alan R. DeAngelo is a highly experienced dentist who has completed training in neuromuscular dentistry, an approach to care that aims to address muscle tension and jaw alignment. It can be a great help in putting a stop to teeth grinding! If you believe you grind your teeth, we encourage you visit Dr. DeAngelo and our team for a consultation. We welcome insurance and will be happy to help you use your benefits. Contact our office in Homer Glen, IL, at 708-854-5912.