Under normal circumstances, your teeth should only contact for about 5 minutes each day. Normal chewing results in brief intervals of contact between enamel surfaces, the hardest substance in the human body. Slight amounts of wear over years of function frequently occur, and bite edges can chip a little. But these durable surfaces should wear at nearly undetectable rates.

 

Sometimes teeth develop a flattened, worn appearance, even in young patients. And x-rays may demonstrate unusually thin layers of enamel as if sandpaper has been drawn across the chewing surfaces of the teeth. A few minutes of chewing daily simply shouldn’t erode the enamel so much.

 

You Don’t Even Know

Some patients develop a subconscious habit of grinding their teeth, either during the day or night. In many cases, the abrasive action occurs only during sleep, and for only a few seconds at a time. If you wake up with a sore jaw or a morning headache, chances run high you’re grinding your teeth during the night. In some patients, enlarged jaw muscles develop on the sides of the face from the extra activity. These muscles can be the strongest in the body, ounce for ounce. That means they can generate a lot of unnecessary damage.

 

The unusual activity not only wears down teeth and strains the overworked muscles. The compressive forces can also damage the intricate jaw joints on one or both sides. Damage to the joints may lead to arthritic changes, chronic pain, and popping or clicking. Once these changes settle in, reversing their condition may become impossible.

 

Avoiding Irreversible Damage

If you’re waking up with a sore jaw or headaches, or you’ve noticed chips or flattening of your teeth, a consult with Dr. Oleg, Dr. Nikole, or Dr. Sakai should be on your list. The sooner the problem receives attention, the less damage there will be. Often a carefully calibrated night guard with a distinct bite relationship built in will eliminate the symptoms while protecting your precious enamel.

 

Daytime habits of clenching or grinding deserve attention, and strategies to reduce the problem may be developed. Dr. Oleg, Dr. Nikole, or Dr. Sakai will also analyze the current relationship between your teeth to make sure they’re moving against each other optimally when you chew. Botulinum toxin in the masseter and/or temporalis muscles can often decrease muscle pain, headaches and associated broken teeth from excessive pressure. Regardless of the cause, eliminating the strain on the jaw and your teeth as quickly as possible can save you many problems as time goes on.

Our Services

425 Service Icons 07
Invisalign®

Your journey to a dream smile begins with the Invisalign experts here at 425 Dental. Read more

425 Service Icons 01
Cosmetic Dentistry

Smiles matter, probably more than we realize. Volumes of research confirm the influential role of smiles on our relationships and our self-esteem. Read more

425 Service Icons 02
Sleep Apnea

We're concerned about the overall health of our patients, including their sleep health. Read more

425 Service Icons 03
Sport Dentistry & Mouthguards

Did you know that over 5 million teeth are knocked out in the US every year? Read more

425 Service Icons 04
Sealants

Our goal is for our patients to experience the least amount of dental treatment possible. Read more

425 Service Icons 05
Cleaning and Prevention

A focus on preventive dentistry helps you maintain the highest standard of oral health while limiting dental expenditures. Read more

425 Service Icons 08
Composite Fillings

Cavities and small fractures leave many teeth with defects that progress over time if untreated. Read more

425 Service Icons 09
Technology

At 425 Dental in Issaquah, WA, you'll discover dental care at the highest level possible. Read more

425 Service Icons 10
Nutrition and Oral Health

People often say to “watch what you eat” to keep a healthy body. But what you eat doesn’t just affect your physical appearance. Read more

425 Service Icons 11
Sedation Dentistry

As the mild form of sedation offered in our office, the administration of laughing gas is available to combat anxiety... Read more

425 Service Icons 12
Extractions

Despite your best efforts, teeth sometimes need to be removed to protect your health. Read more

425 Service Icons 13
Pulpotomy / Pulpectomy

Inside a tooth, under the enamel and dentin, lies the nerve, or pulp. Read more

425 Service Icons 14
Root Canals

Toothaches provide a vivid reminder that teeth aren't just inert pieces of hard tissue floating in the gums. Read more

425 Service Icons 15 1
Teeth Grinding

Under normal circumstances, your teeth should only contact for about 5 minutes each day. Read more

425 Service Icons 16
Implants

A long-lasting choice, implant-supported dentistry brings you as close to growing new teeth as possible. Read more

425 Service Icons 17 1
Gum Grafting

Good News! You don’t have to compromise on your health or your smile. Read more

425 Service Icons 18
Emergency Dental Care

Dental emergencies are never fun – or convenient. But we’re here to help in your time of need. Read more

425 Service Icons 19
Pregnancy & Dental Care

Dental care and proper brushing is even more important when you are expecting. Read more

425 Service Icons 20
Prosthodontics

An expert in treatments such as implants, crowns, cosmetics, and more, our Prosthodontist will help you address your unique needs. Read more

Request an Appointment

The first step toward achieving a beautiful, healthy smile is to schedule an appointment.