Drs. Golovan & Golovan
Norman Golovan D.D.S. 
Bruce Golovan D.M.D.
Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
28790 Chagrin Blvd. #300
Woodmere Village, OH 44122
(216) 591-0022
Designing Healthy and Beautiful Smiles!

Call for an appointment today!
(216) 591-0022

Do You Grind Your Teeth?
Bruxism is a habit of grinding and/or clenching the teeth.  Clenching means that you tightly hold your top and bottom teeth together with pressure.  Grinding is when you slide your teeth back and forth over each other.  Bruxism can happen in children and adults of any age.  Many people with bruxism wake themselves up at night because of a loud clenching or grinding sound.  Sometimes the sound is so loud that someone else can hear it, while for other people it can be totally silent.
People who suffer from bruxism may have one or more of the following symptoms:
- Headache or earache
- Sore jaw
- Jaw clicking
- Frequent toothaches
- Sensitive teeth
- Facial pain
- Worn or cracked teeth or fillings
- Tongue indentations
- Insomnia (trouble sleeping)
What causes bruxism?
The causes of bruxism are unknown.  Stress, sleep disorders and an abnormal bite are things that sometimes do play a role.  Your dentist can diagnose bruxism by checking for unusual wear spots on your teeth and looking at any other related symptoms.  Regular dental checkups are important to find any of this damage in the early stages.  Your dentist can help you manage bruxism and any related symptoms, as well as repair your teeth if it is necessary to prevent any further damage.
How is Bruxism treated?
Treatment depends on each person's situation.  Your dentist may recommend one or more treatments such as the following:
- Stress reduction methods
- A protective nightguard worn over the teeth while sleeping
- Medication for pain or muscle spasms
- Exercises to relax jaw muscles
- Fillings or other dental treatment needed to repair damaged teeth

Your dentist may recommend that you wear a nightguard while you sleep.  Nightguards are custom made by your dentist from plastic or acrylic.  The nightguard slips over either the upper or the lower teeth and helps to prevent you from grinding.  Since bruxism has many causes, you may need to try a few different treatments before you find out what works for you.  You can help manage bruxism by paying attention to the symptoms, having regular dental visits and talking with your dentist.