There are many things that you may have to protect your smile from throughout your lifetime, but you might not have foreseen having to protect your teeth from each other. However, if you have bruxism, then teeth-grinding could become the biggest problem for your oral health. Bruxism describes the uncontrollable grinding of your teeth, and for many patients, the grinding happens most often at night. When it develops, the condition can lead to several serious dental concerns, and saving your smile requires visiting your dentist to address the problem as soon as possible.
What Bruxism Actually Means
Everyone grinds their teeth once in a while. For instance, if you’re in pain or physically struggling, then you might grit your teeth to get through it. On the contrary, bruxism is a persistent condition that is often caused by more subtle things, like a misalignment in your bite or an excessive level of stress. Despite the fact that the grinding is persistent, you might not always realize when it occurs, which makes bruxism an even bigger problem.
Addressing the Problem
The good news is that, even if you don’t realize you have bruxism, your dentist can tell by carefully checking your teeth for signs of wear and damage during your routine checkup. If your dentist does notice signs of teeth-grinding, then the examination will also help him diagnose the cause and severity of your condition, and then recommend appropriate treatment. For instance, a custom-designed oral appliance, or nightguard, can fit comfortably over your teeth and protect them from grinding while you sleep.
Find Out if Bruxism Is a Problem for You
If bruxism is a problem for your teeth and oral health, then we can help you resolve it and protect the long-term health of your smile. To learn more, schedule an appointment with your dentist by calling Keelan Dental in Butler, PA, at (724) 256-4612. Our Smile Certified experts happily serve patients from Butler, Cranberry Township, Mars, Pittsburgh, Butler County, and all surrounding communities.