The most common dental issues that you may experience are cavities and gum disease, but other less obvious issues can sometimes be equally as threatening to your oral health. Grinding your teeth, for example, is something that can become a problem. Known as bruxism, constant teeth-grinding can place an enormous amount of pressure on your teeth and strain on your jaw’s joints (known as TMJs). If you have bruxism, then understanding the risks and your options for treatment are vital to protecting your oral health.
What Bruxism Means
Not every instance of teeth-grinding is considered bruxism. In fact, it’s a common reaction to stress, anger, pain, and more. Your condition is only considered bruxism if you grind your teeth persistently, and for many patients, it occurs most often at night. While you may be able to stop grinding your teeth during the day, you may be unaware of it while you sleep. Bruxism can often continue unabated until serious dental damage occurs.
How to Stop Bruxism
Many patients don’t realize that they have bruxism until they experience tooth sensitivity and pain, or until their dentist notices tooth wear and damage during an examination. If detected early, bruxism can often be treated comfortably with a custom-designed oral appliance. The appliance fits over your teeth and protects them while you sleep at night, preventing the extensive damage that bruxism can cause if allowed to continue. If you’ve suffered significant tooth wear, then your dentist might also prescribe an appropriate restorative treatment, such as a dental crown, to repair your tooth structure.
Ask Dr. Keelan if You Need Bruxism Treatment
If your teeth feel unusually sensitive, or if your bite feels off, as though your teeth are wearing down, then you may need bruxism treatment. To find out, schedule your appointment by calling our team today at (724) 285-4153.