There are different threats to your smile that can affect you throughout the day, as bacteria buildup and the accumulation of sugary food particles can increase your risk for dental decay. What you should know is that people who struggle with bruxism can experience issues during the night, as the unconscious grinding and clenching of your teeth can cause wear and tear on your enamel, and eventually cause damage in the form of chips and cracks. At our Prairie Village, KS dentist’s office, we can point out the warning signs of bruxism during a routine dental visits, and we can talk to you about your treatment options. In addition to protecting you against further damage with a custom oral guard, we can provide treatment for damage that has already occurred, including work to restore the health of damaged teeth.
1. People Who Deal With Bruxism Often Grind Their Teeth At Night
If you have a tendency to clench your jaw and grind your teeth reflexively, it can be necessary for you to do more than just correct for this behavior when you feel tension in your joints and muscles. Because these issues often occur during the night, it can be difficult to stop them from reoccurring, and that means you can experience worsening problems for your jaw and your teeth. Waking up with jaw pain, dental sensitivity, and facial soreness can warn you that nightly grinding and clenching need to be addressed.
2. Untreated Bruxism Can Lead To Serious Dental Damage
If your issues with bruxism are not dealt with, the effects can be serious. Eventually, the wear and tear from repeated grinding can cause teeth to appear flat. You can also experience chipping and cracking in your enamel! After observing this damage, Dr. Browne can talk to you about your treatment options. While restorative dental work is sometimes needed, more conservative cosmetic work can be recommended when problems are identified in time and damage is less significant.
3. Bruxism Can Be A Sign Of TMJ Disorder
Your tendency to grind your teeth could be linked to an unresolved issue with TMJ disorder. This condition is the result of poor jaw alignment, and it can cause bruxism as well as issues with chronic pain and joint stiffness, headaches, and more. Fortunately, when you go in for treatment, you and your dentist can discuss how both of these matters can be resolved.
Talk To Your Prairie Village, KS Dentist About Bruxism
Through treatment for bruxism, our practice can protect you against further dental damage, help you alleviate recurring pain, and generally improve your quality of life. If you have questions about bruxism or any other oral health matter, please reach out to our Prairie Village, KS dentist’s office at 913-901-8585.
