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If you chronically grind your teeth, you may have gotten used to this issue and the symptoms that come with it. However, bruxism should not be left untreated for too long. The team at Gentle Smiles in Dallas, TX, can help relieve your symptoms with the help of a custom-designed oral appliance. In today’s blog, we’re here to talk about what you need to know about conditions like bruxism and TMD.
Bruxism is a condition that causes a patient to clench their jaw or grind their teeth together. This is not done on purpose, and you may not be aware that it is happening until you begin showing symptoms. Over time, the action of grinding your pearly whites together can cause the enamel to wear down. You may notice that they are more sensitive, you get cavities more frequently, or they are more prone to chipping or breaking. Damage to your enamel is unfortunately permanent and may require restorations like dental crowns or replacements to maintain your smile’s health. If you have broken off a piece of your tooth, it will need to be treated promptly to avoid further injury or infections.
Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) is a condition that causes an uneven amount of pressure on your jaw. This can lead to frequent headaches, pain around your jaw, and other symptoms. Many patients with bruxism troubles can also experience symptoms of TMD, and your dentist may be able to help. Other reasons for this disorder may be an injury to your jaw, uneven bite, or your posture. If you hear a popping sound when you open or close your mouth, or get headaches and earaches often, you may want to ask your dentist about TMJ treatments.
Some patients may put off treatment because you get used to their symptoms or worry that treatment will require surgery. Luckily, there is a simple and non-invasive way to help patients put an end to bruxism and TMJ problems. Your dentist may be able to help diagnose the conditions and create a custom oral appliance that can help alleviate your symptoms. The appliance will be formed to your smile and worn at night. It can help protect your teeth from grinding against each other and can also help alleviate pressure from your jaw while you sleep.
Conditions like chronic teeth grinding or jaw pain should not be ignored. If you are experiencing these issues, call the team at Gentle Smiles in Dallas, TX, today at 972-329-7645.
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