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Cosmetic, Preventative and Family Dentistry

Kelly S. Kennan, DDS, PC

410-742-4339

1820 Sweetbay Drive Suite 104 Salisbury, MD 21804
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Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

Online Dental Education Library

Our team of dental specialists and staff strive to improve the overall health of our patients by focusing on preventing, diagnosing and treating conditions associated with your teeth and gums. Please use our dental library to learn more about dental problems and treatments available. If you have questions or need to schedule an appointment, contact us.

Teeth grinding, also called bruxism, is often viewed as a harmless, though annoying, habit. Some people develop bruxism from an inability to deal with stress or anxiety.

However, teeth grinding can literally transform your bite relationship and worse, severely damage your teeth and jaws over long periods of time.

Teeth grinding can cause abrasion to the chewing surfaces of your teeth. This abnormal wear and tear will prematurely age and loosen your teeth, and open them to problems such as hypersensitivity (from the small cracks that form, exposing your dentin). Bruxism can also lead to chronic jaw and facial pain, as well as headaches.

If no one has told you that you grind your teeth, here are a few clues that you may suffer from bruxism:

  • Your jaw is often sore, or you hear popping sounds when you open and close your mouth.
  • Your teeth look abnormally short or worn down.
  • You notice small dents in your tongue.

Bruxism is somewhat treatable. A common therapy involves use of a special appliance worn while sleeping. Less intrusive, though just as effective methods could involve biofeedback, and behavior modification, such as tongue exercises and learning how to properly align your tongue, teeth and lips.


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Our Location

1820 Sweetbay Drive Suite 104
Salisbury, MD 21804

410-742-4339

 

Office Hours
Monday: 9:00AM - 12:00PM and 1:00PM - 5:00PM
Tuesday: 8:30AM - 12:00PM and 1:00PM - 5:00PM
Wednesday: 8:30AM - 12:00PM and 1:00PM - 4:30PM
Thursday: 8:30AM - 12:00PM and 1:00PM - 5:00PM
Friday: By appointment only
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

If it is not during business hours we will call you back immediately within the next business hours. 

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