Certain problems with your oral health can develop completely undetected in their early stages. Your daily oral hygiene practices can prevent the accumulation of plaque throughout your day, but how do you treat problems that occur while you are asleep? For patients who experience nighttime teeth grinding, you may be unaware of the problem until significant wear and tear develops. Also known as bruxism, grinding your teeth causes physical damage to the enamel that increases your risk for tooth decay and gum disease. When not addressed, this issue places strain on the muscles of your face and jaw as well and can reduce the quality of your sleep.
If you suspect the presence of bruxism, your Prairie Village, KS Dentist can inspect your teeth and locate the source of your symptoms. If we detect the signs of grinding your teeth, we can provide an interventive appliance to prevent further damage. Wearing an oral guard while you sleep can separate each row of your teeth and relieve tension felt in your jaw. Depending on the extent of your grinding, we can also provide restorative treatments to improve your teeth.
Identifying The Signs Of Bruxism
Because this behavior happens while you sleep at night, it can be difficult to know you are grinding your teeth in the first place. At home, you can ask a family member to watch over you while you are asleep. They can let you know if you clench and grind your jaw throughout the night. Because this issue can strain your jaw, pay attention to the feeling of your facial muscles when you wake up. Headaches, sore muscles, and sensitive teeth are all signs of ongoing clenching and grinding. When you visit our office, we can also inspect the surfaces of your teeth to let you know if the enamel has begun to physically wear.
Oral Guards Protect Your Teeth
When we detect the ongoing habit of bruxism, we will provide a custom-designed appliance to protect your teeth at night. This solution also relieves tension in the muscles of your face and jaw to provide a more sound night’s sleep. By gently shifting your jaw into place, this treatment also aids in easing the pain of TMJ disorder, a disorder of the temporomandibular joints.
Repairing Your Worn Teeth
We can discuss cosmetic solutions to repair your worn down teeth when treating bruxism as well. To build back up the height of a worn tooth, dental bonding can enhance your smile without extensive surgery. This treatment applies a biocompatible resin material that matches your tooth’s natural appearance and improve its shape.
Talk To Your Prairie Village, KS Dentist About Treating Teeth Grinding
By addressing your bruxism with the wearing of an oral guard, we can help you prevent further damage and relieve tension in your jaw. For more information about this problem or others like TMJ syndrome, contact your Prairie Village, KS dentist’s office at 913-901-8585.
