Bruxism Treatment

A sore jaw, dull headaches, or sensitive teeth in the morning can point to bruxism, the clenching and grinding of teeth. At Better Sleep Mid-Ohio Valley in Parkersburg, West Virginia, we help you protect your smile and rest easier.

Bruxism may seem like a harmless habit, but chronic grinding can wear down enamel, fracture restorations, and place immense stress on your jaw joints.

By looking closely at how your teeth come together and how your jaw muscles work, we help you find lasting relief.

Why Bruxism Happens

Bruxism often happens outside your conscious control. Many people don't know they grind until a partner hears it or a dentist notices flattened teeth.

Stress and Anxiety

Stress frequently triggers muscle tension that keeps your jaw active long after you fall asleep.

Bite and Airway

When breathing passages narrow at night, clenching can occur as a reflex to help keep your airway open. Bite alignment plays a role too.

The Toll on Your Smile

Grinding pressure can be several times greater than normal chewing force. Over time, that friction causes:

Enamel Wear

Protective enamel wears away, exposing softer dentin and causing sensitivity to hot and cold.

Damaged Dental Work

Crowns, bridges, and fillings can chip, crack, or loosen.

Muscle Fatigue

Sore facial muscles or tension headaches on waking are classic signs of muscles that never relaxed.

Joint Strain

Repetitive motion stresses the jaw joints, sometimes causing clicking, popping, or discomfort.

Learn how joint problems develop in what is TMD.

Custom Night Guards

Unlike generic athletic mouthguards, custom night guards are designed to fit the contours of your teeth and support a comfortable jaw posture.

They create a protective barrier that absorbs grinding forces.
They keep enamel from wearing down.
They help the surrounding muscles relax, so you wake refreshed instead of sore.

See how our night guards for bruxism protect your smile.

Care Tailored to You

Grinding often overlaps with jaw joint discomfort and sleep disruption, so we address every contributing factor. If grinding comes with jaw soreness or trouble chewing, our jaw pain treatment targets the root of the problem.

Grinding can be an airway clue. Nighttime clenching is frequently connected to breathing interruptions. We evaluate whether your grinding signals an airway issue, and how your teeth meet when you swallow and rest.

Common Questions

What causes teeth grinding?

Stress and anxiety often play a role, but grinding is also tied to how your bite aligns and how your body responds to airway restrictions during sleep.

Can grinding damage my teeth?

Yes. Grinding can wear down enamel, increase sensitivity, and chip, crack, or loosen crowns, bridges, and fillings.

How does a custom night guard help?

It creates a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth, absorbing grinding forces and helping the surrounding muscles relax.

Take the Next Step Toward Comfort

If you're ready to end morning headaches and jaw soreness, schedule a consultation with Dr. Luke Bauserman at Better Sleep Mid-Ohio Valley in Parkersburg, WV.

Take the First Step to Better Sleep

If you’re ready to get the restful sleep you deserve, it’s time to speak to one of our sleep professionals. Our team will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that fits your specific needs. If you’re still unsure, take our short sleep quiz that identifies the most common sleep-related issues to see which ones you’ve experienced.