West Hollywood Bruxism

Contact today to learn more about our dental services.

Bruxism refers to an oral parafunctional activity that occurs in most humans at some point in their lives.   Grinding of the teeth and clenching of the jaw are the two main characteristics of this condition, which can occur during the day or at night.

Bruxism is one of the most common known sleep disorders and causes most of its damage during sleeping hours.  The clenching and grinding which accompanies bruxism is symptomatic of a malfunctioning chewing reflex, which is turned off in non-sufferers when sleeping.  For sufferers, deep sleep or even naps cause the reflex nerve control center in the brain to turn off and the reflex pathways to become active.

Typically, the incisors and canines (front 6 upper and lower teeth) of opposing arches grind against each other laterally.  This side to side action puts undue strain on the medial pterygoid muscles and the temporomandibular joints.  Earache, depression, headaches, eating disorders, and anxiety are among the most common symptoms of bruxism; these symptoms also accompany health issues such as chronic stress, Alzheimer’s disease, and alcohol abuse.

Bruxism is frequently misdiagnosed or not diagnosed at all, because it is only one of several potential causes of tooth wear.  Only a trained professional can tell the difference between bruxing wear and wear caused by overly aggressive brushing, acidic soft drinks, and abrasive foods.

A BiteStrip® is an economical device used to diagnose bruxism at home.  The device itself is a small electromyography which senses and monitors any activity in the jaw muscles during sleep.  The frequency and severity of the condition can then be assessed and the best treatment plan can be formulated.

Reasons for the treatment of bruxism

Here are some of the main reasons why bruxism should be promptly treated:

  • Gum recession and tooth loss – Bruxism is one of the leading causes of gum recession and tooth loss. It damages the soft tissue directly and leads to loose teeth and deep pockets, where bacteria can colonize and destroy the supporting bone.
  • Occlusal trauma – The abnormal wear patterns on the occlusal (chewing) surfaces can lead to fractures in the teeth, which may require restorative treatment.
  • Arthritis – In severe and chronic cases, bruxing can eventually lead to painful arthritis in the temporomandibular (TMJ) joints (the joints that allow the jaw to open smoothly).
  • Myofascial pain – The grinding associated with bruxism can eventually shorten and blunt the teeth.  This can lead to debilitating headaches and muscle pain in the myofascial region.

Treatment options for bruxism

There is no single cure for bruxism, though a variety of helpful devices and tools are available.  Here are some common ways in which bruxism is treated:

  • Mouthguards – An acrylic mouthguard can be designed from tooth impressions to minimize the abrasive action of tooth surfaces during normal sleep.  Mouthguards should be worn on a long-term basis to help to stabilize the occlusion as well as prevent damage to teeth and to the temporomandibular joint.
  • Botox® – Botox® can be injected into the muscles to relax and weaken them.  Botox® is an excellent treatment for bruxism because it weakens the muscles enough to prevent grinding but not enough to interfere with everyday functions like chewing and speaking.

Other methods of treatment include relaxation exercises, stress management education, and biofeedback mechanisms.  When the bruxing is under control, there are a variety of dental procedures such as crowns, gum grafts, and crown lengthening that can restore a pleasant aesthetic appearance to the smile.

If you have questions or concerns about bruxism, please contact our office.

Schedule Your Next Appointment Today

(323) 615-2159

Our Services

Reviews

What Our Other Patients Are Saying

Julian Verdugo
Julian Verdugo
February 3, 2023
Right above the renowned LAVO ristorante, Dushane Dental on the 4th floor over looks part of Hollywood/Beverly Hills border. One of the greatest dentist teams in the world. Dushane Dental has a team of Rockstars. Shelly, Love, Joey, and Tiffany are all phenomenal in what they do. They do it with such grace and tenacity. No need to be afraid of going to the dentist with this group; your absolutely in great hands. I’ve only been in LA since winter 2018 and I’ve shopped a couple hand fulls of dentists, this is by far the best and teetering on world renowned with their exceptional attention to detail. Shelly loves doing her patients cleanings as much as I love getting a cleaning. Tiffany and Joey are both ever so meticulous with their due diligence. Greatness like this isn’t achieved over night. Cheers to this rockstar team. I’m literally looking forward to every visit. Please consider Dushane Dental whether in or out of network with your insurance. Update: I bought a teeth whitening package at Dushane dental and WOW it turned my teeth white! Check out the photos in my Review
Dominic Barbaro
Dominic Barbaro
April 28, 2022
Love Dr Dushane!! I really needed a new dentist in LA and feel so well taken care of whenever I go there. Joey's customer service to patients is sublime. Feels so good to stop searching when you find a great medical professional!
Siân Thompson
Siân Thompson
April 4, 2022
As someone who finds going to the dentist a stressful experience I can’t recommend Dr. Dushane and her amazing team any higher! The whole team at Dushane is incredibly welcoming, accommodating, and kind. So happy I found them after moving to the area!
Ethan Saeedian
Ethan Saeedian
March 24, 2021
Incredibly helpful, clean and polite. Dr Dushane was so nice, as my hygienist Shila, office manager Joey, and Julian. Joey was super nice and as polite as could be, and showed me how safe and clean the office was upon entering. (You are supposed to call while you are outside the office and they let you in!) Shila was thorough, professional, and constantly checking if I was having any pain. (I wasn't) Julian was personable and friendly, and a pleasure to talk to. Dr. Was very through, and went over many issues other dentists dismissed. Very professional from the time I walked in to the time that I left. Answers all my questions. Highly recommend!
Johnny Mazariego
Johnny Mazariego
November 6, 2020
Great Dentist experience. The facility is always clean, they are very professional and polite. An honest and true care for you and your teeth. Nothing but 5 stars for everyone and everything.
Charles Cohen
Charles Cohen
June 25, 2019
Dr Tiffany Dushane, She is a great Dr, very skilled and experience.. with a magic touch..
Kitty Schur
Kitty Schur
June 16, 2019
I can’t say enough amazing things about Dr.Dushane and Joey. I had a dental emergency and they both were so accommodating and made me feel as comfortable as possible in a very stressed out/scary situation.
Johnny ONeil
Johnny ONeil
March 28, 2019
Joey and the crew are amazing. Highly recommend.
Robert D.
Robert D.
July 6, 2023
If you are looking for an amazing dentist, stop searching! Make an appointment with Dr. Dushane ASAP. Every single person on her team is amazing, and she's kind, gentle, and professional. I was nervous about switching dental providers (because my employer switched insurance), but after reading all the previous reviews I decided to give her a chance. Trust me, you won't regret the level of service, care, and kindness. Their prices are reasonable, the office is spotless and clean (very important), the equipment is modern, and she really sets the tone for a friendly and helpful environment. She, and her team, get 5 STARS! Thank you Dr. Dushane, for everything you do!
Taylor M.
Taylor M.
June 30, 2023
Best dentist I've ever had - amazing receptionist and hospitality, dental technician and Dr. Dushane is as lovely as she is knowledgeable. They recommended a periodontist to me as well and it was a wonderful recommendation. Can't speak highly enough of Dushane Dental Arts!
Leila P.
Leila P.
April 8, 2023
Highly recommend Dr. Dushane, she's knowledgable and direct. Switched to her office after my old dentist retired. I spent a lot of time searching for a trustworthy dentist who doesn't want to jump to drilling and filling. She's definitely the right balance between wait and see and take action. Love Sheila the hygienist and Joey at the front desk is really great too. And their office is super clean which is important for a dentist! 5 stars all around.
Christopher F.
Christopher F.
March 14, 2023
I highly recommend Dushane Dental Arts. Everyone on Dr. Dushane's team is genuinely nice and helpful, and Shila is the BEST dental hygienist I have ever had--she has an incredible attention to detail. Fantastic experience all around. This team does great work!
H E.
H E.
February 2, 2023
Dushane's team is like family. They take care of me and my family members. I trust them. I wouldn't go anywhere else. They are perfectionists with their work and their main concern is our happiness.
Janet C.
Janet C.
November 16, 2022
I have never been so excited to go to the dentist in my life. This place is a dream. Joey, who manages the front desk, is an expert in insurance and is extremely on top of everything. The whole office is extremely experienced, they have all the new tools to give you a phenomenal cleaning, and they are SUPER NICE to boot! Cannot recommend Dushane Dental enough.
Daniel K.
Daniel K.
November 2, 2022
I went to Dushane Dental Arts for a few procedures and they provided an exceptional experience. You can tell that cleanliness is a very high priority and the staff is so kind and accommodating. I highly recommend this dentist for both cosmetic and regular care!
Janet W.
Janet W.
July 17, 2022
An outstanding experience from initial examination through to completed treatment. Dr Dushane and her team are top notch - friendly, professional, efficient and skilled. I hadn't been to a dentist for a few years and my teeth required some serious 'fixing'. I left my first appointment after a deep cleaning, with a full understanding of what treatment was required and with detailed print-out of the cost and the contributions my insurance company would make. I would be travelling abroad for the Summer so Joey made sure to fit me in before my departure date. Although the follow-up appointment was lengthy due to the number of filings required, it was one of the smoothest procedures I've ever had. One thing I hadn't anticipated was the positive cosmetic effect resulting from replacing old metal fillings with white composite ones. In short, I can't recommend Dr Dushane highly enough. A brilliant dentist and practice.
agsdix-c2454-schedule
Reclaim Your Beautiful Smile

Book Your Next Dental Appointment With Dushane Dental Arts