Our Reviews

Excellent
4.8
Love the lovely Asian women who helps with the appointments! And the main orthodontist is so nice always telling me my teeth were perfect and complimenting them made me feel so confident leaving the office !
Highly recommend! I have LOTS of anxiety about going to the dentist. Dr. Roberto and Eli (hygienist) were amazing. They made me feel comfortable.Angelica O.
Hola buen dia, recomiendo este dentista, me atendieron muy bien, son muy amables y muy buen servicio, oficina muy limpia
I really love this office. It was quick. Clean very friendly. Thank you much.
Response from the owner: Thank you for your kind review
Response from the owner: Thank you
The entire experience was great. The dental assistant or hygienist was very thorough and the dentist was just great. So much better than expected!!
Response from the owner: Hi Matilda thank you so much for your review
Todo el personal fue muy amable. Pero no me gusto porque no me hicieron limpieza de mis dientes en la primera cita sólo radiografía. Lo ciento por mi comentario
Response from the owner: Thank You maleeah for your kind words
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Introduction

Grinding or Clenching

Medically referred to as bruxism, teeth grinding or clenching can occur consciously or unconsciously. While occasional grinding might not pose harm, persistent bruxism can cause damage to oral tissues and lead to various oral health complications.

Why do people clench or grind their teeth: the reasons for teeth grinding is not always clear and can vary from patient to patient. At Channel Islands Family Dental Office, our experts work tirelessly to diagnose the physical, psychological or genetic factors that can cause bruxism.

Angry teenage boy grinding teeth

Bruxism is broadly classified into two types

Daytime Bruxism: Daytime bruxism refers to the grinding or clenching of teeth that occurs while an individual is awake. Typically, this is linked to emotional challenges like anxiety, stress, or anger.

Clenching - Apretar

Nocturnal Bruxism: Conversely, nocturnal bruxism occurs when an individual grinds or clenches their teeth during sleep. Our experts at Channel Islands Family Dental Office emphasize that patients are often unaware of this condition since it happens while they are asleep. This can result in jaw pain and various other oral health issues. In children, teeth grinding can stem from misaligned upper and lower jaws or as a response to teething or ear pain. In adults and young children, stress and anxiety are typically the culprits behind teeth grinding and jaw clenching.

Clenching - Apretar
Dental Night Guard

Impact of Lifestyle and Sleep Disorders:

Engaging in lifestyle habits such as smoking, alcohol consumption, recreational drug use, or high caffeine intake can also be factors contributing to nocturnal teeth grinding or clenching.

Moreover, sleep disorders like sleep apnea can also be identified as potential reasons for bruxism.

Diagnosing the Condition: Teeth grinding or jaw clenching typically occurs during sleep and is often observed by parents or siblings. However, consistent dull headaches or a sore jaw upon waking up could be indicative of bruxism. If you suspect that either you or a family member grinds their teeth during sleep, it is advisable to consult your dentist. A dental specialist can conduct a physical examination of your mouth, checking for signs of bruxism such as jaw tenderness and wear and tear. This evaluation helps to eliminate other potential causes like ear infections.

Symptoms of clenching and grinding

Identifying Bruxism Symptoms: Teeth grinding or clenching often occurs during sleep, making it challenging for a person to recognize the symptoms. However, some signs to be attentive to include:

  1. Disturbed sleep
  2. Headaches or facial pain upon waking
  3. Ear pain
  4. Wear or loss of enamel
  5. Painful or loose teeth
  6. Soreness in jaw muscles
  7. Tooth fractures due to excessive pressure
  8. TMJ sounds like clicking or popping
  9. Pain during chewing
  10. Jaw locking
Clenching - Apretar
Clenching - Apretar
ear pain from upper airway resistance

Treatment and methods to prevent

The treatment for grinding and clenching of teeth generally includes use of night guards, a retainer like instrument worn overnight, to prevent damage to the teeth and other oral tissues. it won’t stop grinding or clenching but will help in reducing the symptoms.

Clenching - Apretar

Diverse Approaches in Bruxism Treatment: At Channel Islands Family Dental, our dentists adopt varied methods to address bruxism, tailoring the approach based on specific symptoms and stressors. These approaches encompass:

  1. Medications: Muscle relaxants may be prescribed to ease tension in the jaw muscles, aiming to prevent grinding.
  2. Lifestyle Modifications: Implementing stress management techniques and relaxation training proves beneficial in helping patients reduce the symptoms and complications associated with bruxism.
girl smiling

Additional Preventive Measures: Here are alternative preventive techniques:

  1. Steer clear of food or beverages with caffeine, cola, or chocolate.
  2. Refrain from alcohol consumption.
  3. Avoid chewing on non-food items like pens.
  4. Stay mindful of daytime chewing or grinding. Try to interrupt this habit by keeping your lips together, teeth apart, and placing your tongue behind the front teeth.
girl using Placker

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Oxnard Office

2379 N Oxnard Blvd, Oxnard, CA 93036, United States

Santa Paula Office

248 W Harvard Blvd Suite B, Santa Paula, CA 93060

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5700 Ralston St UNIT 203, Ventura, CA 93003

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1620 Newbury Rd Suite 5, Newbury Park, CA 91320, Estados Unidos

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2601 N Ventura Rd, Port Hueneme, CA 93041