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Many adults ask how often they should visit the dentist when everything feels normal. If your teeth do not hurt, it is easy to believe everything is healthy. At Westover Family Dentistry in Winchester, VA, Dr. Austin Westover and Dr. Bryant Ash explain that dental problems often start quietly. Pain usually appears only when an issue has already progressed.

This article answers the most common questions adults have about dental checkups and explains why regular visits matter even when your mouth feels fine.Read More

Are you waking up with a sore jaw or a little headache? Sometimes, while we’re asleep, our teeth get busy! This is called bruxism. It’s when you clench (squeeze really tight) or grind (rub together) your teeth, and you don’t even know you’re doing it. Maybe someone in your family has even heard the sounds!

The good news is that this is a common habit, and the friendly team at Westover Family Dentistry in Winchester, VA can find ways to help your teeth relax and keep your smile healthy and strong!

 

What Is Bruxism and Why Does It Happen?

Bruxism is the medical term for grinding, gnashing, or clenching your teeth. Many people do this at night while sleeping, which makes it hard to control. Some people also grind their teeth during the day when they feel stressed or focused on something.

Common causes of teeth grinding include:

• Stress and anxiety from school, work, or daily life
• Sleep disorders like sleep apnea
• Crooked or missing teeth that don’t fit together properly
• Too much caffeine or sugary drinks before bedtime
• Certain medications that affect sleep patterns

 

How Do I Know If I Grind My Teeth at Night?

Since nighttime grinding happens while you sleep, you might not realize you have this problem. Here are warning signs to watch for:

• Sore jaw muscles when you wake up
• Dull headaches, especially around your temples
• Teeth that look worn down, chipped, or flat
• Sensitive teeth when eating hot or cold foods
• Tired or tight jaw muscles
• Pain that feels like an earache but isn’t an ear infection

Your family members might also hear grinding noises while you sleep. If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to visit your dentist.

 

What Problems Can Teeth Grinding Cause?

Problem	How It Affects You
Tooth Damage	Grinding wears down enamel and can crack or chip teeth
Jaw Pain	Constant clenching causes TMJ problems and muscle soreness
Headaches	Tension in jaw muscles leads to frequent headaches
Sleep Issues	Poor sleep quality leaves you tired during the day
Sensitive Teeth	Worn enamel makes teeth hurt when eating or drinking

 

When left untreated, bruxism can lead to serious dental problems. You might need crowns, bridges, or even dental implants to fix badly damaged teeth. The jaw joint problems can become chronic and harder to treat over time.

 

How Can I Stop Grinding My Teeth at Night?

At Westover Family Dentistry in Winchester, VA, we help patients find the right solution for their teeth grinding. Here are proven ways to stop bruxism:

Custom Night Guards

A night guard is a special mouthpiece you wear while sleeping. It acts like a cushion between your upper and lower teeth, preventing damage from grinding. Our practice creates custom night guards that fit your mouth perfectly, making them comfortable to wear all night.

Stress Management Techniques

Since stress is a major cause of bruxism, finding ways to relax can help:

• Practice deep breathing before bed
• Try gentle stretching or yoga
• Keep a regular sleep schedule
• Avoid screens one hour before bedtime
• Listen to calm music or nature sounds

TMJ Therapy

If your teeth grinding has caused jaw joint problems, TMJ therapy can help. This treatment reduces pain and improves how your jaw moves. Our team can evaluate your jaw and recommend the best approach.

Dental Corrections

Sometimes grinding happens because teeth don’t line up correctly. Treatments like Invisalign or ClearCorrect can straighten your teeth and reduce grinding. We also offer crowns and other restorations to fix bite problems.

Lifestyle Changes

Simple changes to your daily habits can make a big difference:

• Cut back on caffeinated drinks, especially after lunch
• Avoid chewing gum, which trains your jaw muscles to clench
• Don’t chew on pens, pencils, or other objects
• Place your tongue between your teeth during the day to train your jaw to relax
• Apply a warm washcloth to your jaw before bed to relax muscles

 

Can Children Grind Their Teeth Too?

Yes, many children grind their teeth, especially when their baby teeth or permanent teeth are coming in. Most kids stop grinding once all their adult teeth have grown in. However, if your child shows signs of tooth damage or complains about jaw pain, bring them in for an evaluation.

 

When Should I See a Dentist About Teeth Grinding?

You should schedule an appointment if you experience:

• Visible damage to your teeth like chips or flat surfaces
• Pain in your jaw that lasts more than a few days
• Headaches that happen frequently, especially in the morning
• Trouble opening your mouth fully
• Clicking or popping sounds when you move your jaw
• Tooth sensitivity that makes eating uncomfortable

Early treatment prevents bigger problems down the road. Our team can spot signs of grinding during regular checkups, even before you notice symptoms.

 

Key Points About Teeth Grinding

What causes it: Stress, sleep disorders, crooked teeth, and certain lifestyle habits trigger bruxism.

Warning signs: Jaw pain, headaches, worn teeth, and grinding sounds during sleep indicate a problem.

Treatment options: Custom night guards, TMJ therapy, stress management, and dental corrections effectively stop grinding.

Why treat it: Preventing tooth damage, jaw problems, and chronic pain saves your smile and improves sleep quality.

When to get help: See a dentist if you notice tooth damage, persistent jaw pain, or frequent headaches.

 

Protect Your Smile at Westover Family Dentistry

Don’t let teeth grinding damage your smile or steal your sleep. We provide personalized treatment plans that address the root cause of your bruxism. Our experienced team uses the latest technology to create comfortable solutions that work.

Ready to stop grinding and start sleeping better? Call us today to schedule your consultation. We’ll evaluate your teeth, discuss your symptoms, and recommend the best treatment to protect your smile. Your path to pain-free mornings starts here.

Have you ever wondered why your dentist mentions deep cleaning during your checkup? At Westover Family Dentistry in Winchester, VA, we want to help you understand this important dental treatment and how it protects your smile.

 

What Is a Deep Cleaning?

A deep cleaning is different from your regular dental cleaning. While a routine cleaning focuses on the surface of your teeth and just below the gum line, a deep cleaning goes much deeper. The official name for this treatment is scaling and root planing, and it targets the area beneath your gums where harmful bacteria like to hide.

During this procedure, your dental hygienist removes plaque and tartar that have built up below the gum line. This buildup can cause serious problems if left untreated, including gum disease and even tooth loss.

 

How Does Deep Cleaning Work?

The deep cleaning process happens in two main steps:

Scaling: Your hygienist carefully removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line using special dental tools. This step cleans out the pockets that have formed between your teeth and gums.

Root Planing: Next, the roots of your teeth are smoothed out. This helps your gums reattach to your teeth properly and makes it harder for bacteria to stick around in the future.

We make sure you feel comfortable during the entire process. We offer sedation dentistry options for patients who feel nervous about dental treatments.

 

Deep Cleaning vs. Regular Cleaning: What’s the Difference?

 

Feature	Regular Cleaning	Deep Cleaning
Frequency	Every 6 months	As needed based on gum health
Area Treated	Above gum line	Below gum line
Purpose	Prevention	Treatment for gum disease
Duration	30-60 minutes	1-2 hours (may need multiple visits)
Anesthesia	Usually not needed	May use local anesthesia

 

Why Would I Need a Deep Cleaning?

You might need a deep cleaning if you have signs of periodontal disease. Here are some warning signs to watch for:

• Your gums bleed easily when you brush or floss
• You have persistent bad breath that won’t go away
• Your gums look red, swollen, or puffy
• Your teeth feel loose or have shifted position
• You notice changes in how your teeth fit together when you bite
• Your gums have pulled away from your teeth, creating pockets

Periodontal disease is a chronic condition that affects the gums and bone supporting your teeth. When these tissues become unhealthy, your teeth lose their strong foundation. The good news is that with proper gum treatments like scaling and root planing, it may be possible to return your gum tissue to a healthy state.

 

What Happens After a Deep Cleaning?

After your deep cleaning, your gums will start to heal and become healthier. Here’s what you can expect:

• Your gums may feel tender for a few days
• You might notice some sensitivity to hot or cold foods
• Your gums will gradually become pinker and firmer
• Bad breath should improve significantly
• The pockets between your teeth and gums will shrink

Following your treatment, you’ll need to maintain your gum health with regular checkups and cleanings. Our team will work with you to create a maintenance plan that keeps your gums healthy for the long term.

 

How Can I Prevent Needing a Deep Cleaning?

Prevention is always better than treatment. Here are some ways to keep your gums healthy:

• Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time
• Floss every day to remove plaque between teeth
• Visit us for regular cleanings and checkups
• Avoid smoking, which increases your risk of gum disease
• Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables
• Replace your toothbrush every three to four months

We also offer preventative treatments like dental sealants and digital x-rays to help catch problems early. Our digital radiography allows us to see very small issues before they become bigger problems, which means we can treat them preventatively.

 

What Other Services Support Healthy Gums?

We offer a full range of services to keep your mouth healthy:

• Routine checkups and oral cancer screening exams
• Preventative treatments including sealants and fluoride
• Fillings and laser fillings to treat cavities
• Crowns and bridges to restore damaged teeth
• Root canals when needed
• Sedation dentistry for anxious patients

Our experienced team uses the latest dental technology to provide the best care possible. We’re committed to studying the latest research and taking continuing education courses so we can offer Winchester families the most advanced treatments available.

 

Key Takeaways About Deep Cleaning

• Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) treats gum disease by cleaning below the gum line
• It’s different from regular cleaning because it targets deeper areas where bacteria hide
• You may need it if you have bleeding gums, bad breath, loose teeth, or gum pockets
• The procedure helps your gums heal and reattach to your teeth
• Regular dental visits and good home care can help prevent the need for deep cleaning
• We offer comfortable, effective gum treatments with modern technology

 

Take Control of Your Gum Health Today

Don’t wait until gum disease causes serious problems. If you’ve noticed any warning signs like bleeding gums or persistent bad breath, it’s time to schedule a checkup. Our caring team at Westover Family Dentistry in Winchester, VA, is ready to help you get your smile back on track.