Do you or someone you love ever grind their teeth? Without treatment, persistent teeth grinding can pose a serious threat to smiles in Garland, TX. In today’s blog, we’re using a fun quiz to discuss the warning signs of bruxism and the dangers of avoiding treatment.
Try Our Quiz on Teeth Grinding
- True or False: Most cases are temporary.
- True or False: Persistent teeth grinding can damage your teeth.
- True or False: You can help reduce your risk.
- True or False: We can help with an oral appliance.
Answer Key
- True. Often people, especially children, may occasionally grind their teeth for brief periods. These episodes are short lived and tend to stop quickly. However, routinely grinding your teeth, also known as bruxism, can place enormous pressure on the teeth and lead to major complications.
- True. If you’re grinding your teeth every night or nearly every night, then you’re wearing down your tooth enamel. When this protective layer becomes damaged, the risk of tooth decay and infection increases. In addition, cracks or chips can occur in the teeth, again leading to a higher risk of cavities and infected teeth. The pressure on the jaw joints can make the onset of TMJ disorder more likely as well, eventually leading to problems fully opening and closing the mouth.
- True. First, try to reduce the amount of stress in your daily life. We also suggest avoiding caffeine products and chewing on objects such as pencils or ice. These minor changes can often reduce your risk of teeth grinding episodes.
- True. Treating teeth grinding can require a restoration, orthodontics, or sometimes a simple oral appliance. The device is worn at night and looks like a nightguard. The device repositions the jaw and also places a barrier between the upper and lower teeth, which helps prevent further damage to the teeth.
DO YOU GRIND YOUR TEETH?
Our team can help find a solution for your bruxism. For more information, 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.
