Teaching your little ones the importance of caring for their smile is essential for establishing adequate preventive dental routines. As a matter of fact, this process lays the foundation for a healthier, lifelong smile. Though it is important to teach children about the dangers of tooth decay and other bacteria-related issues, you should also take care to discuss other ways their smiles can be affected. In today’s blog, your Richfield, MN dentist explores the different ways chronic teeth grinding can influence a person’s smile and what your treatment options look like.
Treat Bruxism As Soon As Possible
It goes without saying that among the many oral health concerns out there, tooth decay and infection are among the most common. Not only does it affect millions of individuals every year, but many more are currently enduring the early stages of it without even knowing! Though it is certainly one of the most common issues, that does not mean it is the only one to keep in mind.
You see, your smile is affected by a host of non-traditional oral health concerns, too. For instance, have you ever awoken with a sore or tense jaw? If so, you may be experiencing nighttime teeth grinding. This process occurs when a person tightly clenches his or her teeth together and moves the lower jaw from side to side.
Teeth-grinding can occur while a person is conscious or unconscious, and when it occurs in a consistent or chronic manner, it is referred to as bruxism. To learn more about this process and what your treatment options may look like, give our team a call today.
Major Impacts On Daily Functioning
Chronic teeth grinding is not a phenomenon you will want to take lightly. As your structures rub together, the surfaces of your teeth can become worn down, exposing your structures to bacteria and resulting in a greater probability of developing a serious infection.
Another way bruxism impacts your day-to-day life is that it can lead to an increased chance of developing a major jaw dysfunction known as TMJ Disorder. This phenomenon occurs when your lower jaw becomes misaligned with one of your temporomandibular joints (TMJs) at which it hinges on the cranium. Contact our team to learn more.
Looking at Your Options
It is important to take every step you can to prioritize your oral health, and our team is ready to help with TMJ and bruxism solutions. Ask our team about a custom oral appliance and how it can address the concerns that arise from chronic teeth-grinding and TMJ disorder.
Give Our Team A Call
To learn more about your bruxism treatment options, contact Cedar West Family Dentistry in Richfield, MN by calling 612-861-7188 and speak with a member of our team to schedule your next appointment.
