Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

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 Regular Schedule

Monday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Once per month (Call for specific dates)

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Testimonials

What Our Clients Say About Us

  • "Wow!! Such a wonderful dentist. It was such a refreshing experience to have you greet us at the door, then talking with us and how you and your hygenist went about taking care of my problem. Dr. Stevens and his staff are such pleasant people. It is so good to go to a doctor's office and have someone so kind and interested in you as a person and takes the time with you. There aren't too many of them left! Then, to have you take the time to call that evening to find out how I was doing... That tops! That's how the doctors and dentists were in my era of growing up and in this day and age, you can see how my visit to you was a really nice experience."
    By Loreen C.
  • "Our family recently moved to Smithville and wanted to find a dentist locally. As with finding any new doctor and services, you want to make sure you are getting the best. It was also very important that we found an office that would work well with our little one. I believe the first visit is extremely important as it sets the tone for future appointments. Dr. Stevens' office and staff well exceeded our expectations today with making our daughter's first dental cleaning an awesome experience. It's been so good in fact, she has been playing dentist for the last couple hours! I am grateful we have our new home in the Smithville community as well as finding our new dental home with Dr. Stevens."
    By Anna B.
  • "The office is nice and the staff is even nicer. They always know your name when you go in and they remember things about you (enough that they can make conversation). They are really a down-home sort of place with all the nice newer gadgets. Dr. Stevens is always very friendly and acts as if he's been your friend for years. His prices are also very reasonable. I will be going back again."
    By Michelle V.
  • "My family and I have been patients of Dr. Stevens for quite some time now. We have been completely satisfied with him and his staff. Their knowledge and ability to give each patient that personal touch is very comforting. I would recommend his services to anyone!"
    By Karen P.