Toggle navigation
logo
441 S Livernois Rd Ste 275Rochester Hills, MI 48307-2531248-608-1300
  • Facebook
  • blog
  • Twitter

Request an Appointment

  • Home
  • Staff
  • Office
  • Services
  • New Patients
  • Contact Us
  • Appointment Request
  • Patient Education

No "Glee" in Tooth Grinding

  • Blog Home
  • Oral+Health
  • No "Glee" in Tooth Grinding

No "Glee" in Tooth Grinding

By Hibbeln & Kowal Dental
July 10, 2016
Category: Oral Health
Tags: celebrity smiles   tooth grinding  
NoGleeinToothGrinding

Sure, it’s big news when celebs tweet selfies from the dental office… if you’re still living in the 20th century. But in Hollywood today, it’s harder to say who hasn’t posted snaps of themselves in the dentist’s chair than who has. Yet the pictures recently uploaded to Twitter by Mark Salling, the actor and singer who regularly appears as Noah “Puck” Puckerman on the popular TV series Glee, made us sit up and take notice.

“Getting my chipped tooth fixed. Also, apparently, I’m a big grinder,” read the caption. The photo showed a set of upper front teeth with visible chips on the biting surface. What’s so special about this seemingly mundane tweet? It’s a great way of bringing attention to a relatively common, but often overlooked problem: teeth clenching and grinding, also called bruxism.

Although bruxism is a habit that affects scores of people, many don’t even realize they have it. That’s because the condition may only become active at night. When the teeth are unconsciously ground together, the forces they produce can wear down the enamel, cause chipping or damage to teeth or dental work (such as veneers or fillings), or even loosen a tooth! While it’s common in children under 11 years old, in adults it can be a cause for concern.

Sometimes, mouth pain, soreness and visible damage alert individuals to their grinding habits; other times, a dental professional will notice the evidence of bruxism during an exam or cleaning: tooth sensitivity and telltale wear and tear on the chewing surfaces. Either way, it’s time to act.

Bruxism is most often caused by stress, which can negatively impact the body in many ways. It may also result from bite problems, the overuse of stimulating substances (caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs), and as a side effect of certain medications. Sometimes, simply becoming aware of the habit can help a person get it under control. Common methods of stress reduction include exercise, meditation, a warm bath or a quiet period before bedtime; these can be tried while we monitor the situation to see if the problem is going away.

If stress reduction alone doesn’t do the trick, several other methods can be effective. When bruxism is caused by a minor bite problem, we can sometimes do a minor “bite adjustment” in the office. This involves removing a tiny bit of enamel from an individual tooth that is out of position, bringing it in line with the others. If it’s a more serious malocclusion, orthodontic appliances or other procedures may be recommended.

When grinding is severe enough to damage teeth or dental work, we may also recommend a custom-made night guard (occlusal guard), which you put in your mouth at bedtime. Comfortable and secure, this appliance prevents your teeth from being damaged by contacting each other, and protects your jaw joints from stresses due to excessive grinding forces.

Whether or not you have to smile for a living, teeth grinding can be a big problem. If you would like more information about this condition, call our office to schedule a consultation for a consultation.

0 Comment(s) Permalink

Comments:






Subscribe to our RSS Feed

Archive:

  • 2019
      • February (2)
        • Dental Sealants can help Prevent Tooth Decay in Children
        • Fan of Superhero Film Black Panther Breaks Steel Wire...with Her Mouth!
      • January (3)
        • 3 Ways Orthodontic Techniques Could Prevent a Poor Bite
        • Want to Keep Enjoying Winter Sports? Wear a Mouthguard!
        • Crown Lengthening Might be Necessary for Seniors with Tooth Decay
  • 2018
      • December (3)
        • Master Illusionist Benefits from the Magic of Orthodontics
        • New Year, New Smile
        • What You Need to Know to Buy the Right Toothbrush
      • November (3)
        • The Connection Between GERD and Oral Health
        • Janet Jackson: Even pop stars get insecure about their smiles!
        • Why a Bonded Retainer Might be a Better Choice After Braces
      • October (3)
        • Try the Conservative Path to Jaw Pain Relief First
        • Guide Your Older Children or Teens through These 3 Oral Health Areas
        • Julianne Hough Shares a Video - and a Song - After Wisdom Teeth Come Out
      • September (3)
        • It's National Gum Care Month - Take Care of Your Gums
        • Oral Hygiene isn't Easy with Braces - but it's Still Doable
        • Treating Gum Disease around Tooth Roots is Hard - but Not Impossible
      • August (3)
        • Ariana Grande Breaks Free - of Her Wisdom Teeth
        • When Summertime Sports Lead to Dental Dilemmas
        • 10 Tips to Tame Bad Breath
      • July (4)
        • Ready for Summer Camp? Be Sure to Pack a Toothbrush
        • Singer Dua Lipa Sees the Wisdom in Postponing Tour Dates
        • 3 Reasons You Should Consider Tooth Whitening
        • Lasers Beginning to Change Some Root Canal Procedures
      • June (3)
        • Finding the Right Solution for Your Gummy Smile
        • Why Big Bang Theory Actress Mayim Bialik Couldn't Have Braces
        • Anchorage Devices Enable Greater Precision During Orthodontic Treatment
      • May (3)
        • Children with Chronic Health Conditions may Need Extra Dental Care
        • Crown Lengthening Helps us Treat Hard to Reach Cavities
        • Dental Magic Transforms Smiles
      • April (2)
        • Willie Wonka's Chocolate Factory Was Not So Sweet to Cast's Teeth!
        • 3 Factors to Consider When Buying a Toothbrush
      • March (2)
        • Thumb Sucking One of Many Factors to Consider When Treating a Poor Bite
        • Charlize Theron Back in Action After Dental Surgery
      • February (3)
        • Sealants Provide a Little Extra Protection for Children at High Risk for Decay
        • Not Enough Bone Support for an Implant? Here's a Way to Rebuild It
        • Don't Ignore Tooth Pain - You May Need a Root Canal
      • January (2)
        • Game, Set, Match: Milos Raonic Says A Mouthguard Helps Him Win
        • Your Health Could Affect the Longevity of a Dental Implant
  • 2017
      • December (2)
        • Facial Nerve Pain can be Managed with Effective Treatment
        • What to Do About Your Child's Toothache Before Seeing the Dentist
      • November (2)
        • How Big Bang Theory Actress Mayim Bialik Gets Her Kids to Floss
        • Frequently Asked Questions About Diabetes and Oral Health
      • October (2)
        • Bad Breath in Children
        • Reduce Future Bite Problems with These Innovative Techniques
      • September (2)
        • Baseball's Francisco Lindor Shines as "Mr. Smile"
        • FAQs About Pediatric Dentistry
      • August (4)
        • Nancy O'Dell on Making Oral Hygiene Fun for Kids
        • Signs You May Need Braces
        • Your Child's Impacted Front Teeth can be Saved - but Don't Wait too Long
        • Jason Derulo's Ideal Match
      • July (2)
        • This Young Woman's Cancer Experience a Teachable Moment for all of us
        • Giancarlo Stanton Gets Major-League Mouth Protection
      • June (3)
        • Overcoming Gum Recession will Restore Dental Health and your Smile
        • The Importance Of Preventive Care
        • Jamie Foxx Chips a Tooth - This Time by Accident!
      • May (2)
        • Don't let Periodontal Disease Cause Your Gums to Recede
        • America's (Dentists) Got Talent - for Fixing Damaged or Missing Teeth!
      • April (3)
        • Dealing with the Reality of Increased Disease Risk with Braces
        • Protect Your Child's Smile
        • In Today's NFL, Oral Hygiene Takes Center Stage
      • March (3)
        • Topical Fluoride Could Further Lower Tooth Decay Risk in Children
        • Chrissy Teigen's Teeth-Grinding Troubles
        • Conscious Sedation can Help Ease Your Child's Dental Visit Anxiety
      • February (2)
        • The Benefits Of Seeing A Family Dentist
        • How Kathy Bates Retains Her Movie-Star Smile
      • January (4)
        • Disease Detection - Saliva's New Role
        • Fifth Harmony's Camila Cabello Chips a Tooth, but Concert Still "Worth It"
        • How Dental Crowns Help Strengthen Teeth
        • A Retainer Helps You Keep Your New Smile After Braces
  • 2016
      • December (2)
        • Even Celebrities Like Jennifer Lawrence Aren't Immune From Bad Breath!
        • 3 Questions You Should Ask Before Undergoing Adult Orthodontics
      • November (2)
        • A Royal Fix
        • Start Early with Your Baby's Dental Care
      • October (4)
        • Caring for Your Smile When You Have Braces
        • Any Time, Any Place: Cam Newton's Guide to Flossing
        • New Understanding of Bacteria Promises Better Approaches to Oral Care
        • Beyonce Makes Flossing a Family Affair
      • September (2)
        • Treating Gum Disease Important to Saving the Underlying Bone
        • Sofia Vergara: 'Obsessed' With Oral Hygiene
      • August (3)
        • Metal Dental Amalgam: Still a Safe and Effective Tooth Filling
        • What is a Cavity?
        • Dr. Travis Stork: Don't Ignore Bleeding Gums
      • July (2)
        • Keep Watch for Bite Problems with your Child's Teeth
        • No "Glee" in Tooth Grinding
      • June (3)
        • Effective Hygiene is Key to Preventing Enamel White Spots While Wearing Braces
        • How Fillings Help Restore Decayed Teeth
        • Dr. Travis Stork: If Only I'd Worn A Mouthguard!
      • May (2)
        • Replacing a Missing Tooth isn't Just About Improving Your Smile
        • Johnny's Teeth Aren't Rotten Any More
      • April (4)
        • 4 Reasons Why You May Need to See a Periodontist for Your Gum Disease
        • Give Your Child's Smile the Best Start
        • Tom Hanks' Abscessed Tooth Gets Cast Away
        • Your Case of Gingivitis Could Develop into Something More Harmful
      • March (2)
        • A Toothless Tiger?
        • Watch for these 4 Signs of Gum Disease
      • February (3)
        • How Braces Can Improve Oral Health
        • New Front Teeth for a Teenaged David Duchovny
        • Kids, Cats and Canines: Dental Development Through the Ages
      • January (2)
        • Eden Sher and the Lost Retainer
        • The Dangers of DIY Braces
  • 2015
      • December (2)
        • Lamar Odom Rebounds From Dental Anxiety
        • With Proper Management, Dental Implants can be a Reality for Diabetics
      • November (2)
        • Actor David Ramsey Says: Don't Forget to Floss!
        • Jaw Pain Disorders Could be Related to Other Body Conditions
      • October (2)
        • Spice Up Your Teeth
        • Welcome to Our Blog

Tags

  • celebrity smiles (37)
  • cosmetic dentistry (5)
  • tmd (1)
  • tmj (1)
  • jaw pain (2)
  • oral hygiene (16)
  • dental implants (7)
  • dental anxiety (1)
  • orthodontic treatment (7)
  • orthodontics (6)
  • braces (9)
  • oral health (6)
  • pediatric dentistry (8)
  • gum disease (7)
  • crowns (1)
  • periodontal disease (3)
  • abscessed tooth (1)
  • Child's Smile (1)
  • mouthguard (1)
  • Decayed Teeth (1)
  • tooth grinding (1)
  • tooth decay (2)
  • cavities (1)
  • tooth pain (3)
  • fillings (1)
  • periodontal (gum) disease (1)
  • bonding (1)
  • bad breath (3)
  • retainers (2)
  • dental crowns (1)
  • restorative dentistry (1)
  • chipped tooth (2)
  • saliva (1)
  • family dentist (1)
  • teeth wear (1)
  • fluoride (1)
  • chipped teeth (1)
  • mouthguards (3)
  • preventative dentistry (1)
  • gum recession (1)
  • athletic mouthguards (1)
  • oral cancer (1)
  • impacted teeth (1)
  • pediatric care (1)
  • interceptive orthodontics (1)
  • diabetes (1)
  • toothache (1)
  • facial pain (1)
  • trigeminal neuralgia (1)
  • bone graft (1)
  • dental sealants (2)
  • bone grafting (1)
  • thumb sucking (1)
  • toothbrush (1)
  • crown lengthening (2)
  • TADs (1)
  • gummy smile (1)
  • root canal treatment (1)
  • laser dentistry (1)
  • teeth whitening (1)
  • wisdom teeth (3)
  • dental injury (1)
  • tmj disorders (1)
  • retainer (2)
  • smile makeover (1)
  • GERD (1)

Categories:

  • None (1)
  • Dental Procedures (48)
  • Oral Health (54)

Request An Appointment

Our Location

Rochester Hills, MI Dentist
Hibbeln & Kowal Dental
441 S. Livernois Suite 275
Rochester Hills, MI 48307
(248) 608-1300
Dentist Rochester Hills MI Call For Pricing

Map & Directions

  • Home
  • Staff
  • Office
  • Services
  • New Patients
  • Patient Education
  • Contact Us
  • Appointment Request
  • Copyright © MH Sub I, LLC dba Officite
  • Disclaimer
  • Patient Privacy
  • Site Map