When we grind out teeth, we increase the risk of serious oral health complications. In addition, we can drive our significant others insane and cost them good sleep. Fortunately, using preventive dentistry our team provides comfortable and minimally invasive solutions to bruxism for our Richfield, MN, patients.
The Causes of Bruxism
What causes persistent teeth grinding? Often, tooth loss, misalignment, or injury to the face and jaw lead to teeth grinding and jaw clenching. Other causes may include untreated TMJ disorder or an increased level of stress in your daily life. As part of your treatment, we will look at the wear and fiction on your teeth to assess the cause and extent of the problem, choosing the right procedure to help improve your smile’s health.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Often, a significant other will inform you of your teeth grinding episodes. Otherwise, you should watch for toothaches, tooth sensitivity, jaw pain, headaches, or aches in the face and neck. If one or more of these possible symptoms describes your experience, then contact our team today for a diagnosis. Remember, a lack of treatment means the pressure from grinding and clenching may wear down tooth enamel or even crack or chip a tooth, increasing the risk of too decay and infection, or possibly even tooth loss in extreme cases.
Oral Appliance Therapy
In order to treat the issue, we may recommend an oral appliance. The custom-made device will fit like a nightguard and will be worn at night. The device repositions the jaw to ease strain and also places a barrier between the upper and lower sets of teeth, preventing further damage to your smile. Treatment options may also include orthodontics or the placement of custom restorations, such as dental crowns or veneers. If you have any question about treating bruxism, then contact our team today.
Do You Need Your Teeth Cleaned?
Our team will help you maintain a healthy smile with our preventive dental treatments. To learn more, schedule a consultation with Dr. Keller by calling Cedar West Family Dentistry in Richfield, MN, today at (612) 861-7188.
