Stop Teeth Grinding & Bruxism in Vancouver WA

Do you wake up with jaw pain, headaches, or sensitive teeth? You may be one of the millions of people who grind or clench their teeth at night. At Hazel Dell Dental Care, Dr. Erik Jenson offers comprehensive bruxism treatment in Vancouver, WA, to protect your teeth, relieve your pain, and address the underlying causes of your grinding.

We proudly serve patients from Vancouver, Hazel Dell, Felida, Salmon Creek, Battle Ground, Ridgefield, Camas, Washougal, and all of Clark County, Washington.

Call us at (360) 233-8831 or request an appointment online to find relief from teeth grinding.

What Is Bruxism?

Bruxism is the medical term for grinding, clenching, or gnashing your teeth. This condition can occur during sleep (sleep bruxism) or while awake (awake bruxism). Sleep bruxism is often more problematic because you probably don’t realize you’re doing it. Many people only discover they grind their teeth when a bed partner hears the noise or when a dentist notices the damage during a routine exam.

Common signs and symptoms of bruxism include:

Jaw pain, stiffness, or soreness, especially in the morning
Frequent headaches or facial pain
Worn, flattened, chipped, or cracked teeth
Increased tooth sensitivity to hot or cold
Damaged dental restorations (fillings, crowns)
Clicking or popping sounds in the jaw joint (TMJ)
Earaches or ringing in the ears
Disrupted sleep for you or your partner

Bruxism affects up to one-third of adults and more than 1 in 10 people in their sleep. If left untreated, it can lead to serious dental problems, including tooth loss, as well as chronic pain and discomfort.

What Causes Teeth Grinding?

Teeth grinding can develop from a variety of factors, and often, multiple causes are at play.

Common causes and triggers include:

Stress and anxiety: Emotional stress is one of the most common triggers for both awake and sleep bruxism.
Sleep disorders: Bruxism is strongly linked to sleep-related breathing disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS).
Misaligned bite: When teeth don’t come together properly, it can lead to muscle tension and grinding.
Lifestyle factors: Smoking, alcohol consumption, and high caffeine intake can increase the risk of teeth grinding.
Medications: Certain antidepressants and other medications may contribute to bruxism.

How Dr. Jenson Can Help: Dawson-Trained Expertise

Dr. Erik Jenson’s advanced training at the prestigious Dawson Academy sets him apart in treating bruxism. The Dawson Academy approach focuses on “Complete Dentistry,” which means Dr. Jenson evaluates how your teeth, gums, jaw joints, and bite all work together as one integrated system.

What this means for you:

Thorough diagnosis: Dr. Jenson will perform a comprehensive evaluation, including a detailed examination of your jaw joints, bite, and airway to identify the root cause of your grinding.
Customized nightguards: We create custom-fitted nightguards, not generic drugstore ones. Custom nightguards better protect your teeth from grinding forces, reduce jaw tension, and promote a more relaxed jaw position.
Addressing underlying causes: If your bruxism is linked to a misaligned bite, bite issues, or airway problems, Dr. Jenson can recommend appropriate treatments, which may include occlusal adjustments, restorative work, or referral for sleep apnea evaluation.

We don’t just treat the symptoms; we look for the source of the problem to provide you with long-lasting relief.

Bruxism Treatment Options We Offer

At Hazel Dell Dental Care, we offer a range of effective treatments for bruxism tailored to your specific needs.

Custom Nightguards

A custom-fitted nightguard is one of the most common and effective ways to protect your teeth from the damaging effects of grinding. Unlike over-the-counter options, our nightguards are:

Made from an exact model of your teeth for a precise, comfortable fit
Designed to stay in place while you sleep, providing consistent protection
Crafted to minimize wear and prevent further damage to teeth and dental work

Bite Adjustments (Occlusal Equilibration)

If your bite is misaligned, Dr. Jenson may recommend a bite adjustment to relieve pressure on your jaw and improve chewing function.

Comprehensive Restorative Care

If grinding has already damaged your teeth, we can repair them with crowns, bonding, or other restorative treatments to restore your smile.

Collaboration for Sleep Disorders

Because bruxism is closely linked to sleep apnea, Dr. Jenson may refer you for a sleep study or work with your physician to develop a comprehensive treatment plan.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bruxism

How do I know if I grind my teeth?

Many people don’t realize they grind their teeth. Common signs include waking up with jaw pain, headaches, or sensitive teeth. You may also notice your teeth appear worn, flattened, or chipped. Your bed partner may hear grinding sounds at night, or Dr. Jenson may spot signs of wear during a routine exam.

What happens if I don’t treat bruxism?

Untreated bruxism can lead to significant dental problems, including worn-down enamel, cracked or chipped teeth, damaged dental restorations, and even tooth loss. It can also cause chronic jaw pain, facial pain, headaches, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Fortunately, we also offer TMJ treatments in our Vancouver dental office.

How effective are nightguards for bruxism?

Nightguards are highly effective at preventing damage to your teeth by providing a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth. They also reduce muscle strain and can help alleviate jaw pain and morning headaches. However, a nightguard is a protective measure; it’s important to address the underlying causes of grinding for the best long-term results.

Can children outgrow teeth grinding?

Yes, teeth grinding is common in children, and about 20-30% of children grind their teeth, especially during sleep. Most children eventually outgrow bruxism, often around the time they lose their baby teeth. However, if grinding is severe or causing symptoms, it’s worth discussing with a dentist.

Can stress cause teeth grinding?

Yes, stress and anxiety are among the most common causes of teeth grinding in both adults and children. Finding healthy ways to manage stress, such as through relaxation techniques, exercise, or counseling, can help reduce the frequency and severity of bruxism.

Can my dentist help with my morning headaches?

Yes. Jaw tension from nighttime teeth grinding is a frequent cause of morning headaches. Treating bruxism with a custom nightguard or addressing bite issues can significantly reduce or eliminate these headaches.

Does insurance cover bruxism treatment?

Coverage varies by plan. Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of the cost of custom nightguards, especially if they are deemed medically necessary to prevent dental damage. Our team will help you understand your benefits and maximize your coverage.

Don’t Let Teeth Grinding Damage Your Smile

Bruxism can cause lasting damage to your teeth and affect your quality of life. At Hazel Dell Dental Care, Dr. Erik Jenson provides expert bruxism treatment in Vancouver, WA, to protect your smile and help you find relief.