Have you noticed that you have frequent headaches, or your teeth often feel sensitive? These symptoms could be a sign of a chronic habit that you may be unaware of. Bruxism is a condition that causes patients to grind their teeth or clench their jaw, typically while they are sleeping. This can lead to worn down enamel, jaw pain, headaches, and more. The team at Cedar West Family Dentistry in Richfield, MN, can help you determine the cause of this problem and find a noninvasive solution that can relieve your symptoms.
Identifying The Problem
It can be difficult to notice that you have been grinding your teeth because this often happens when you are asleep or otherwise unaware. You may be able to recognize symptoms like teeth sensitivity, frequent cavities, or headaches overtime. In some cases, your spouse or family members may notice a clicking sound when you clench your jaw. If you experience these or other side effects often, talk to your dentist at your next checkup. Your dentist will thoroughly examine your smile and determine if you have bruxism. This condition is often found in patients who also have TMJ dysfunction and other sleep disorders, but the true cause can vary between individuals.
How A Mouthguard Can Help
The goal when treating bruxism is to relieve your symptoms and protect your teeth. A custom-made mouthguard can be created to wear when you sleep. This can help protect your pearly whites from grinding against each other when you rest and may also be able to help keep your jaw balanced to relieve pressure from TMJ. After your dentist has thoroughly examined your smile and diagnosed the issue, impressions can be taken to create your custom mouthguard. This should be worn every night to keep your pearly whites safe from damage. Patients who have severely worn down teeth due to this condition may need additional restorative treatments, like dental crowns or fillings, to further renew the structures.
Does TMJ Make Bruxism Worse?
Temporomandibular joint dysfunction happens when the joints of your jaws do not properly line up. As a result, a patient can experience tension, headaches, and other discomfort around their jaw. While patients with TMD can also have bruxism, it is not a direct cause for the chronic grinding of your teeth. However, a custom made oral appliance can help relieve your symptoms of TMJ dysfunction and bruxism. If you frequently experience jaw pain, headaches, earaches, or poor sleep, you should mention these symptoms to your dentist for a diagnosis.
Learn More About Bruxism Today
Do you have questions about bruxism or TMJ? Talk to the team at Cedar West Family Dentistry in Richfield, MN, today at 612-861-7188 to learn more about these conditions.
