Chronic teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can lead to serious complications, including damaged teeth. However, we have a few treatment options to help Garland, TX, patients suffering from bruxism. Find out how we stop grinding teeth and help you enjoy a healthy smile.
The Causes of Bruxism
Why do some of us develop persistent teeth grinding? A number of factors could be responsible, including untreated TMJ disorder, high levels of stress in daily life, injury to the face or jaw, tooth loss, bite imbalance, or dental misalignment. Issues with past restorations or oral appliances could also be a factor. If you regularly consume caffeine products, you may be more likely to grind your teeth. As part of your treatment, when we examine your smile, we will look at the wear and damage on your teeth to help assess the severity and cause of your disorder.
The Possible Warning Signs
Since we grind our teeth during sleep, how do we know if we need treatment? Well, watch for pain in your jaw or face that remain unexplained, as well as frequent headaches, tooth sensitivity, and toothaches. These could all indicate the presence of bruxism. When you see us, we will perform a detailed examination employing advanced technology to pinpoint the presence of bruxism.
Treatment Options
First, we may suggest cutting back on caffeinated products, and avoiding chewing on hard objects, such as pencils or ice. You may also place a warm compress against the side of the face to ease jaw strain and discomfort. Sometimes, our corrects grinding/clenching by addressing misalignment with orthodontics, or by placing a custom restoration. However, the most common treatment option involves the use of an oral appliance. Similar in appearance and fit to a mouthguard, you will wear this custom-made device as you sleep. The device helps ease the strain on your jaw joints, while also placing a barrier between your lower and upper sets of teeth, preventing further damage. You then have the ability to rest easier, without developing further damage to your teeth or increasing the risk of tooth decay and dental infection.
If you have any questions about identifying and treating teeth grinding, or if you feel you may need teeth grinding solutions, then contact our team today. We’re ready to help you enjoy improved oral health and more comfortable smile with a custom-made solution.
Do You Have Questions About Teeth Grinding?
With preventive dentistry, we have comfortable and personalized solutions to teeth grinding. For more information on our options for people who grind their teeth, schedule a consultation by calling Mai Dentistry in Garland, TX, today at 972-530-0552. For our patients who don’t speak English, our office is fluent in both Spanish and Vietnamese.
