Do you grind your teeth? Many of us occasionally do so, but consistent teeth grinding could be a sign of bruxism, a serious oral health problem. In order to prevent major complications, such as damaged and decayed teeth, we offer patients in Richfield, MN solutions to teeth grinding.
Headaches, Jaw Pain, and More
When patients grind and clench their teeth regularly, they place enormous pressure on them. Eventually, teeth become worn down, cracked, or chipped. These injuries expose the sensitive inner layers of tooth structure to harmful bacteria. As tooth decay and infections arise, patients suffer from toothaches and tooth sensitivity. Other common warning signs include headaches, pain in the jaw or face, or aches in the neck. If one or more of these potential warning signs sounds familiar, then please let us know!
The Causes of Bruxism
Wy do some people grind their teeth nightly? Causes range from tooth loss and misalignment to bite imbalance and even injury to the face or jaw. Issues with restorations or even high levels of stress in their daily lives could impact risk as well. Finally, if you have TMJ disorder, which occurs due to strain on the temporomandibular joints, then bruxism could develop.
Custom Solutions
For patients with bruxism, we carefully examine their teeth for signs of wear and friction. From there, we decide which treatment option will suit their smile best. For example, we may place a restoration, recommend orthodontic treatment, or discuss ways to correct the bite. In most cases, we prescribe a custom-made mouthguard. Worn at night, the device actually places a barrier between your upper and lower sets of teeth, which prevents further damage. The appliance also repositions the jaw to ease strain and stop teeth grinding episodes. If you have any questions about treating bruxism, then contact our team today.
Do You Grind Your Teeth?
We want to help treat your bruxism and allow you to enjoy a healthy smile once more. To learn more about our preventive treatments, schedule a consultation with Dr. Keller by calling Cedar West Family Dentistry in Richfield, MN, today at (612) 861-7188.
