Bruxism and Teeth Grinding Treatment
Protect your teeth, jaw, and dental work with personalized care for clenching, grinding, and bite-related wear.
Care for Teeth Grinding and Jaw Strain
Clenching and grinding can place heavy pressure on your teeth, jaw joints, and facial muscles. Over time, this can lead to worn enamel, chipped teeth, tooth sensitivity, jaw soreness, headaches, and damage to existing dental restorations.
At Shoop Dentistry, Dr. Shoop evaluates signs of grinding and helps patients understand what may be causing stress on their teeth. Treatment may include a custom oral appliance, bite evaluation, and recommendations to help protect your smile from further damage.
Nitrous Oxide: A mild sedative to help you relax.
What Is a Bruxism?
Bruxism is the habit of clenching or grinding the teeth. It can happen during the day or while sleeping, and many patients do not realize they are doing it until a dentist notices signs of wear.
Teeth grinding is not always painful, but the damage can become more noticeable over time. Early evaluation can help identify worn areas, cracks, muscle strain, and bite issues before they lead to more serious dental problems.
Bruxism treatment is designed to:
Bruxism and Grinding Services We Offer
We provide evaluation and treatment recommendations for patients who clench, grind, or show signs of bite-related tooth wear. Each plan is based on your symptoms, tooth condition, jaw comfort, and existing dental work.
Dr. Shoop will explain what he sees and whether a custom nightguard or other dental treatment may help protect your teeth. The goal is to reduce ongoing damage and support long-term oral health.
A custom nightguard is designed to fit your teeth and help protect them from grinding forces while you sleep. It creates a protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth.
Dr. Shoop can check for signs of grinding, including flattened edges, enamel wear, cracks, chips, gum recession, and sensitive areas. These signs help determine how much stress your teeth are experiencing.
Crowns, fillings, bridges, and other restorations can be damaged by heavy clenching or grinding. A protective appliance may be recommended to reduce stress on both natural teeth and dental work.
Our Bruxism Treatment Process
Bruxism care at Shoop Dentistry begins with understanding how grinding is affecting your teeth, jaw, and bite.
A Private Dental Practice — Not Corporate Dentistry
Shoop Dentistry is a privately owned, solo-doctor dental practice. Dr. Shoop is both the owner of the office and the dentist providing your care.
This means:
Grinding treatment should be based on real signs, symptoms, and risk factors. At Shoop Dentistry, Dr. Shoop evaluates your situation directly and recommends care based on your long-term oral health.
Who May Need Bruxism Treatment?
You may benefit from a bruxism evaluation if you clench, grind, or have signs of tooth wear. Treatment may be recommended if you:
A dental exam can help determine whether grinding is affecting your teeth and whether a custom nightguard may be appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bruxism
How do I know if I grind my teeth?
Some patients notice jaw soreness, headaches, tooth sensitivity, or chipped teeth. Others do not know they grind until a dentist sees signs of wear during an exam.
Can a nightguard stop grinding?
A nightguard does not necessarily stop the habit, but it can help protect the teeth from the forces caused by grinding and clenching.
Is a custom nightguard different from a store-bought guard?
Yes. A custom nightguard is made to fit your teeth more precisely. This can improve comfort, stability, and protection compared with many over-the-counter options.
Is Shoop Dentistry privately owned?
Yes. Shoop Dentistry is independently owned and operated by Dr. Shoop.
Schedule a Bruxism Evaluation
If you grind your teeth, clench your jaw, or have signs of tooth wear, we invite you to schedule a bruxism evaluation with Dr. Shoop at Shoop Dentistry.