While you likely know that teeth-grinding is detrimental to the health of your affected teeth, you may not be aware of the damage it can do to your jaw as well. This disorder, also known as bruxism, can be caused by jaw alignment issues as well as environmental and emotional circumstances. Moreover, it can also be tied to TMJ disorder, which is the misalignment of the joints that connect your jaw to your skull. In today’s blog, your Dallas, TX, dentist will discuss the causes of bruxism and the ways that you can treat it.
What Is Bruxism?
Bruxism — or consistent teeth grinding — typically occurs at night while you are asleep. Those who suffer from it are frequently unaware that they are clenching their teeth, which can make it difficult to identify before damage is already done. In some cases, particularly the more mild ones, teeth grinding is linked to environmental factors like stress or anxiety. When this is the case, alleviating the negative emotions can alleviate the bruxism. In severe cases, however, you might need professional treatment. In these instances that warrant a dentist’s intervention, you need to act quickly to prevent severe issues from developing — like TMJ disorder. Signs that you might have either disorder include having extra sensitive teeth, diminished enamel, a sore or tight jaw, chipped teeth, and headaches that seem to stem from the temple. In more noticeable, severe instances, the sound of grinding can be so loud that you wake up others in bed with you. Regardless of the cause, you will want to treat it as soon as possible to prevent the need for costly, restorative dental procedures in the future
What Causes It?
As discussed, teeth clenching can have numerous causes. This makes identifying the specific root difficult. If your teeth grinding usually occurs at night, it can be related to other sleep issues such as sleep-talking, snoring, and sleep apnea. If it also happens while you are awake, it is probably tied to jaw misalignment or emotional triggers. Bruxism is frequently linked to stress, anxiety, and frustration. Overall any sort of tension in your life can contribute. There are lots of factors behind teeth this disorder. However, there are also viable solutions and remedies.
How Do We Treat It?
When you meet with your dentist about TMJ or teeth clenching, they will closely examine your mouth and determine the likely cause of your issues. They will then come up with a personalized treatment plan for you. This often consists of them crafting a custom-designed oral appliance, made with the price measurements of your teeth and dental ridge. This helps prevent your teeth from grinding against each other.
Want To Learn More About Bruxism?
To get more information about treatments for teeth-grinding and TMJ Disorder, do not hesitate to contact Gentle Smiles Family Dentistry in Dallas, TX at 972-329-7645. You can also visit us at 10210 Scyene Rd. Dallas, TX 75227.
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