When you grind or clench your teeth on a nightly basis, this could mean you suffer from bruxism. Teeth grinding can damage your smile and leave you vulnerable to issues like tooth decay and infection. But our team can help! In today’s blog, your Kansas City, MO, dentist talks about our bruxism appliances.
The Causes and Dangers of Teeth Grinding
Chronic teeth grinding can occur when you experience high levels of stress in your daily life. Factors that upset bite balance could also be responsible, such as tooth loss, injury, misalignment, untreated TMJ disorder, and other issues. When you develop bruxism, you grind and clench your teeth on a nightly basis. Your significant other may let you know this is happening, otherwise you should watch for common warning signs, such as jaw pain, headaches, earaches, tooth sensitivity and toothaches, or changes to the appearance of the teeth, the pressures could wear down outer structure. Treatment is crucial for avoiding complications like tooth decay and infection.
Treating Your Bruxism
When you come to our office, we will start by carefully examining your smile with advanced digital imaging technology, looking for the wear and friction that could indicate bruxism and also identify the underlying factors that may need to be addressed. For many, treatment could include orthodontics to correct uneven smiles, prosthetics to address gaps in the teeth, or the use of crowns or bonding to improve overall bite balance, easing strain on the jaw joints.
But the most common solution is an oral appliance. The device will look and fit like a mouthguard, but is actually custom-fitted based on the digital images we take of your bite. The device shifts the jaw to ease pressure and protect you from painful symptoms. The device also prevents further damage to the teeth by placing a barrier between the upper and lower sets of teeth.
Easing Your Discomfort
You can also take steps to ease your discomfort during treatment. For example, avoid caffeinated products or hard or chewy foods, which can exacerbate symptoms. Use a warm compress to the side of the face to ease strain and tension. Take steps to also reduce stress levels in your family life. If you have any questions about how our team will diagnose and plan the treatment of your bruxism, or if you have pain in your mouth related to teeth grinding, then contact our team today to learn more. We want to help improve your smile in 2024!
SCHEDULE YOUR NEXT CONSULTATION WITH DELIGHTFUL DENTAL CARE
We would like to help you enjoy good oral health and avoid dental damage. To schedule an appointment with our team, give us a call at Delightful Dental Care in Kansas City, MO at (816)942-7669!