Bruxism Treatments

Bruxism is an oral parafunctional activity that commonly occurs in most people at some point in their lives. The two main characteristics of this condition are grinding of the teeth and clenching of the jaw. These actions usually occur during a person’s sleeping hours, but occasionally they occur during the day.

Bruxism is one of the most common known sleep disorders. Chewing is a neuromuscular activity controlled by a subconscious process, but more highly controlled by the brain. During sleep, the subconscious process may become active, while the higher control is inactive (asleep), resulting in bruxism. The most common symptoms are earaches, headaches, depression, eating disorders, anxiety, and chronic stress.

Why should I seek treatment for Bruxism?

  • Gum recession.  Bruxism is a leading cause of gum recession and tooth loss. Grinding can damage the soft tissue directly and lead to loose teeth and deep pockets where bacteria are able to colonize and decay the supporting bone.
  • Facial pain. Grinding can eventually shorten and blunt the teeth.  This can lead to muscle pain in the myofascial region and, in severe cases, incapacitating headaches.
  • Occlusal trauma. The abnormal wear patterns on the occlusal (chewing) surfaces of the teeth can lead to fractures, which, if left untreated, may require restorative treatment at a later time.
  • Arthritis. In the most severe cases, bruxism can eventually lead to painful arthritis in the temporomandibular (TMJ) joints that allow the jaw to open and close smoothly.

Treatment Options

Though there is no known cure for bruxism, there are a variety of devices and services available through our office to help treat bruxism:

  • Mouthguards. An acrylic mouthguard can be designed from teeth impressions to minimize the abrasive grinding action during normal sleep. Mouthguards must be worn on a long-term basis to help prevent tooth damage.

Sunset Periodontics & Implant Dentistry

5 out of 5 stars based on 186 Bruxism Treatments reviews

Patient Review

I had an implant procedures done by Dr. Mize. He is a Dr. who not only excellent in what he does, but also very caring. He is gentle during the treatment and he listens. I highly recommend him.

- Susan M

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review

Very pleasant experience. I believe the cleaning was thorough and the advice on tooth and gum care was really appreciated.

- Bev K

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review

I am a big baby when it comes to surgery and had many concerns. Dr. Mize and his team put me at ease and my treatments are progressing well. Pain and discomfort have been minimal. I highly endorse this practice for gum grafting.

- Bev K

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review

It is a pleasure to write this review for Dr. Mize and his team. Two weeks ago Dr. Mize performed a gum graft on 5 of my teeth. This was a procedure that I had to have...it was no longer an option and I was truly dreading it. I was most concerned about the pain of the procedure but Dr. Mize assured me he would not let me hurt. Dr.Mize discussed the surgery and recovery timeline with me in detail and was very patient in addressing my questions. The day came for my procedure and I was most nervous...Dr. Mize and team went out of their way comforting and reassuring me. Dr. Mize kept his word! I never felt pain, experienced no swelling and only took 1 ibuprofen after the surgery.The caring did not stop when I left their office. Dr. Mize called me later in the evening to check on me and his team called the next day to see how I was. Dr. Mize and team exceeded all expectations.....turning a dreaded experience into a pleasant one that couldn't have gone better. I have worked in the service industry for 25 plus years and this team has earned my trust and respect. The icing on the cake is they are all so warm and friendly they make you feel as if you have been friends for years. I plan to go to Dr. Mize for all periodontal needs and am going to recommend my family and friends do as well. Thank you Dr Mize and team!

- Deb W

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review

Was referred there by my dentist after she discovered a fractured tooth that had been causing me some issues for several weeks. Was not looking forward to the visit but was really pleased with the staff in general and the doctors, in particular Dr. Mize.. He removed the fractured tooth, performed some reconstruction work. And even with 13 stitches in such a small area I have very little swelling, little to no bleeding and no pain. He prescribed pain medication but I have had nothing more than the 800mg of Ibuprofen that I took before leaving his office. I feel better than I have in the past several weeks. I highly recommend that if you need a periodontist this is the place to go.

- Elizabeth W

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review

Dear Travis, Welcome to our Community! First, I need to say that Rusty's and your staff are the most warm, empathetic and competent individuals around. Regarding my recent laser procedure, let me say that over the past 30+ years, I have had at least two of the conventional procedures done by Rusty. Although he made it as comfortable as possible, the procedure had its inherent pain and post-operative inconveniences. On the other hand, the recent laser surgery you performed on me two weeks ago was totally painless and the only post-operative care involved taking an antibiotic and using a mouth rinse twice a day. What a difference!! It was wonderful to know that at my one week follow-up, things were progressing better than expected. I highly recommend this new procedure you are offering and thank you and your staff for providing such good care. Gratefully, Jay

- Jay M

5 out of 5 stars on