BRUXISM AND CLENCHING

You may not even realize you’re doing it. Bruxism affects nearly one-third of the population. Whether awake or asleep, teeth grinding and jaw clenching can lead to serious, long-term damage to your teeth, jaw, and overall health if left untreated.

At Maple Dental, our experienced Dentist in Hesperia can help you identify and treat bruxism before it causes irreversible damage.

What is bruxism?

Bruxism is the abnormal and excessive grinding of the upper and lower teeth, often occurring during sleep. Unlike normal chewing, which involves brief tooth contact throughout the day, someone with bruxism might keep their teeth clenched or grinding for 6 to 8 hours each night.

Clenching, a related condition, involves tightly biting down with minimal movement but significant pressure. This can lead to:

• Severe wear of teeth
• Jaw discomfort
• Headaches
• Prominent or sore jaw muscles

Effects of bruxism and clenching

If left untreated, these conditions can result in:

• Irreversible enamel damage
• Cracks or fractures in teeth
• Tooth sensitivity or persistent pain
• Jaw joint issues (TMJ disorders)
• Need for extensive dental restorations or tooth replacement

Why does early intervention matter ?

Bruxism and clenching will not go away on their own. The longer they are left untreated, the more damage they can cause. Identifying and treating the condition early is essential to prevent more serious (and costly) dental issues down the road.

If you’re looking for a trusted Dentist in Hesperia, CA, we are here to help you take proactive steps to protect your smile.

1. Bite guard (occlusal splint)

   A custom bite guard is a hard plastic appliance typically worn at night. It helps to:

   • Prevent teeth from grinding against each other
   • Protect enamel from further wear
   • Reduce jaw muscle tension
   • Minimize long-term damage

   Most patients adapt quickly to wearing their guard, and it usually lasts for several years.

2. Bite equilibration

   An uneven bite may cause your jaw to grind subconsciously to correct the imbalance. Bite equilibration involves:

   • Identifying and adjusting high spots in your bite
   • Reducing grinding triggers
   • Often pairing with a bite guard to stabilize the new bite

   This conservative treatment is especially effective when wear is detected early.

While not all cases are preventable, especially those that happen during sleep, you can take steps to reduce your risk:

• Manage stress with mindfulness, exercise, or therapy
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bedtime
• Maintain regular dental checkups to catch early signs
• Establish healthy sleep habits