Grinding and clenching is a common complaint among both adults and children. Grinding and clenching can have several possible contributing factors, including stress, bite strain, jaw muscle tension, sleep disruption, and sometimes breathing-related concerns .

Grinding and clenching can be hard on the structure of the teeth, sometimes leading to cracks or chips and wearing down the enamel, which can lead to periodontal disease or tooth loss. Additionally, dental restorations such as crowns, fillings, or implants may become necessary, compromising the natural tooth structure and leading to costly treatments.

Furthermore, grinding and clenching also add stress to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), neck, and back, sometimes resulting in headaches and potential pain throughout the upper body. Many people think that grinding and clenching is a normal response to stress , and it can indeed be a response to life stressors. However, if you notice yourself or your loved ones engaging in this behavior regularly, it's important to understand that there may be an underlying reason and screening for an airway issue might be a contributing factor.

What We Look For

During a dental and orthodontic evaluation, we look for signs that may help explain where excessive forces are coming from.

These may include:

-Tooth wear

-Cracked or chipped teeth

-Sore jaw muscles

-TMJ clicking or popping

-Limited jaw opening

-Bite imbalance

-Tongue posture

-Lip posture

-Arch form

Our goal is to understand the dental and functional factors that may be contributing to strain and to recommend appropriate next steps

Dental and Orthodontic Support

Depending on the findings, recommendations may include a protective appliance, bite or TMJ focused care, orthodontic arch development, myofunctional therapy referral, restorative care, or other supportive treatment. Treatment is individualized based on the patient’s age, dental condition, symptoms, bite relationship, oral hygiene, and goals.

If sleep or breathing symptoms are present, we may recommend evaluation by a physician, sleep physician, ENT, pediatrician, or other appropriate medical provider. The Airway Center does not diagnose obstructive sleep apnea or other medical sleep disorders. Diagnosis of sleep apnea requires evaluation by a qualified medical provider, often through a sleep study.