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Madison Family with Healthy Teeth

Bruxism Prevention & Treatment in Madison, WI

Don't live with constant teeth grinding that could ruin your beautiful smile. Contact Total Care Dental for bruxism treatment and prevention. We offer effective dental health care services to eliminate bruxism. Our specialists will devise a plan to prevent further damage and save your precious smile.

HOW DO I KNOW I HAVE BRUXISM?
COMMON CAUSES OF BRUXISM
TREATMENTS & CURES OF BRUXISM
LIFESTYLE CHANGES TO STOP BRUXISM

What is Bruxism?

Bruxism, also known as chronic teeth grinding, is a condition involving involuntary teeth clenching (bruxing) and jaw clenching. Frequent in sleep but possible during waking hours, Bruxism wears down teeth, increases tooth sensitivity and jaw pain, and causes headaches and earaches. Repetitive grinding can even cause gum recession and jaw disorders such as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD).

During bruxing, the facial muscles around the jaw and sides of the skull experience overexertion. This overuse can cause tenderness, muscle spasms and painful headaches. Ground teeth are more likely to crack and fall out. Initial signs of bruxism can be hard to notice, so you may be unaware of your condition. Our comprehensive dentists are specialists in spotting the early warning signs of teeth grinding. Regular dental visits will allow our dentists to monitor signs of grinding and accurately diagnose.

Common causes of bruxism

How Do I Know if I Have Bruxism?

Some people do not realize they clench their teeth at night until told. If you notice any of the following symptoms, schedule an appointment with our dentists right away.

  • Involuntary or severe teeth grinding/clenching
  • Teeth become worn, chipped or loose
  • Increased tooth sensitivity
  • Unexplained headaches, jaw pain, facial soreness or earaches
  • Tongue indentations

 

Sleep Bruxism

Most people are unaware they grind their teeth since most clenching and grinding occur during sleep. You might wake up with a sore jaw and not know the cause. Regular visits to TCD Madison will allow us to spot changes in your teeth caused by nocturnal teeth grinding. Bruxism is considered a sleep disorder since the symptoms can lead to restless nights and insomnia. Treatment will protect your teeth and improve your ability to sleep!

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Bruxism tooth pain causes

What Causes Bruxism?

There are several possible causes of bruxism, including stress, anxiety, and certain medications. In some cases, bruxism may be related to sleep disorders, including sleep apnea. Having a family history of bruxism can increase your chances of developing this condition.

 

Additional Bruxism Causes:

  • Tension from anxiety, stress, anger, or frustration
  • Malocclusion (misaligned upper and lower teeth)
  • Sleep apnea or other sleep disorders
  • Response to a painful earache or teething in children
  • Acid reflux
  • Drinking alcohol or smoking
  • A side effect of some psychiatric medications

 

Madison's Best Bruxism Detection Dentist

Many dentists fail to diagnose and treat bruxism because the process of grinding down teeth takes place over many years. At Total Care Dental, we use dental X-rays and 3D imaging for accurate diagnosis. Digital images allow our dentists to track the changes in your teeth caused by grinding.

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Bruxism tooth pain causes
Treatments and cures for bruxism

Treatments and Possible Cures for Bruxism in Madison

The key to preventing bruxism is treatment when the first signs appear. Prepare for your dental appointment by listing symptoms and possible causes, and gathering relevant medical records. You may have a few questions to ask about where to go from here as well.

 

Questions to Consider:

  • What kinds of tests do you recommend?
  • Is my bruxism temporary or long-term?
  • What treatment do you recommend?
  • How should I manage my bruxism with my other health conditions?
  • Should I follow any restrictions?
  • Is there a brochure or other informational material I can have?

The treatment you receive will depend on the cause and type of bruxism you have. If you grind due to misaligned teeth, Invisalign clear braces may correct the problem. If you have sleep bruxism, you may need a night mouth guard. You may be recommended other forms of treatment like medication to relax your jaw muscles.

 

More Bruxism Treatment Tactics

If diagnosed at an early stage, our dentists will recommend a fitted occlusal guard for you to wear at night to relax the jaw muscles and prevent teeth from wearing down. High-performance mouthguards will help reduce grinding during the day. When significant wear occurs, we may recommend building your teeth back to their original size for proper functioning.

 

Health Issues Related to Bruxism

While our treatment options will protect your teeth and jaw, bruxism can be a side effect of other health conditions. After receiving a bruxism diagnosis, check with your primary care physician to see if you have any related disorders. Sleep apnea can lead to night bruxism while ADHD can cause awake bruxism.

Teeth grinding can cause damage to dental crowns and veneers. Getting treated early will prevent many of these issues. If your teeth are damaged from grinding, our restorative dentists will go over potential options to restore their appearance.

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Home remedies to stop teeth grinding

Home Remedies to Stop Teeth Grinding

Before your appointment with Total Care Dental, see if you can relieve your symptoms at home. Trying a few at-home remedies can make determining the cause of your teeth grinding and jaw clenching easier. See our guide on the best home remedies to prevent and cope with teeth grinding from bruxism.

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Home remedies to stop teeth grinding

Frequently Asked Questions About Bruxism

Is teeth grinding normal?

What is an occlusal guard?

Can bruxism be cured?

What type of treatment is most effective for bruxism?

What happens if bruxism is left untreated?

Does dental insurance cover night guards?

Affordable Bruxism Treatment in Madison 

Total Care Dental accepts most dental insurance providers and has many payment plan options. We want all of our patients to be able to afford the care they need. We even accept cash as payment! Learn more about our dental financing today or call our offices for more information on low-cost bruxism treatment.

 

Schedule a consultation with our dentists to learn about bruxism treatment or dental tooth replacement options for damaged teeth.

No Insurance? We've Got You Covered.

Total Care Dental offers multi-level payment options for a variety of dental care services at our Madison, WI location. Enjoy routine checkups, cleanings, x-rays, periodontal preventative care and more without the hassle of dealing with insurance companies that don't value your time or health needs.

Benefits include:

  • Green Check White Background - Verified and approved against a clean white background, just like our green check! Low-cost monthly payments
  • Green Check White Background - Verified and approved against a clean white background, just like our green check! 10% off additional treatments
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Meet the TCD Madison Dentists

Our team of compassionate and knowledgeable professionals create a warm, inviting atmosphere, ensuring patients of all ages feel welcome. At TCD, we treat every patient like a member of our family.

Dr. Brett Clark

Dr. Brett Clark

Dentist & Owner

Little League Coach, Barefoot Water Skier, Exercise Junkie, Super-Dad!

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Dr. Jason Vandehaar

Dr. Jason Vandehaar

Dentist & Owner

Eagle Scout, Badger Fan, Dog Lover, Lifeguard, Hater of Shredded Coconut!

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Dr. Tammy Kalsow

Dr. Tammy Kalsow

Dentist

Positive, loving, nurturing spirit. 

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Heather

Heather

Dental Hygienist

Positive Spirit, Team Leader, Hockey Mom; "A family that flosses together stays together!"

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Dr. Tammy Kalsow
Meet the Rest of the Team

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