When you grind or clench your teeth on a regular basis, this could lead to damaged teeth and over time, the increased risk of tooth decay and dental infection. Fortunately, we have treatment options to protect your smile! In today’s blog, your Greenville, TX, dentist talks about how to recognize bruxism, and when to see us for treatment.
The Causes of Teeth Grinding
What causes us to grind or clench our teeth on a nightly basis? Factors vary, but often include issues that upset the overall balance of your bite, such as misalignment, missing teeth, issues with the growth and development or the jaw and oral structures, and injury to the face or jaw. Untreated TMJ disorder could be a factor, a could high levels of stress in your daily life. People with bruxism may be alerted to their teeth grinding by a significant other, but other warning signs include headaches, migraines, jaw pain, facial aches, and tooth sensitivity and toothaches.
The Impact on Your Smile
If you experience one or more of the warning signs we discussed above, please see us right away. Over time, the pressure from grinding and clenching your teeth could begin to wear down tooth enamel, even cracking or chipping the teeth. This damage makes your teeth appear small and uneven, and could expose sensitive inner tissues or harmful bacteria, paving the way for tooth decay and dental infections. Treatment is often needed to prevent damage and protect your smile!
Our Solutions
To repair damage, we could use dental bonding or custom dental crowns, rebuilding the teeth to restore bite balance and esthetics. Treatment also protects them from cases of tooth decay and infection. To stop grinding episodes, we could take detail images and impressions with digital technology, using hem to design and create an oral appliance. The device is worn as you sleep, and helps repositioning the jaw to ease strain and stress, preventing grinding episodes. In addition, the device places a barrier between the upper and lower sets of teeth to stop further damage. You could also help by making changes to your daily life, like cutting back on caffeinated products, reducing daily stress, and avoiding consuming hard or chewy foods, which could exacerbate symptoms.
If you have any questions about how to stop grinding or clenching your teeth, or about repairing any damage that has occurred to your smile, then please contact our team today to learn more. We’re always ready to help you enjoy optimal oral health!
Your Greenville, TX Dentist Offers Teeth Grinding Treatment
At Smith Family Dentistry, we want to help you avoid chipped, cracked, or worn down teeth. To learn more about our approach to preventive dentistry, then contact your Greenville, TX, dentist, Dr. Smith, by calling 903-455-5750.