Bruxism is a disorder in which patients grind their teeth or clench their jaws on a regular basis. Without treatment, this disorder can lead to serious complications. There are a number of factors that can lead to the onset of teeth grinding, such as anxiety. Is stress causing your bruxism? How will the doctor treat the problem?
The Warning Signs of Bruxism
How do you know if you suffer from bruxism? Patients may notice soreness in their jaw, or persistent headaches. The patient’s significant other may also hear the grinding during the night, alerting the patient to the problem. Since the issue can place enormous pressure on the teeth, toothaches and tooth sensitivity are common symptoms.
Is Stress Causing the Problem?
But what causes the issue? In many cases stress is the culprit. If you have high levels of anxiety in your day-to-day life, you could begin grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw. Other causes include tooth loss, misalignment, or injury to the face or mouth. Without treatment, the issue can eventually lead to cracked or damaged teeth, causing the onset of cavities or even an infection. The strain on the jaw joints can also lead to a greater risk of TMJ disorder, which can make opening and closing your mouth difficult.
Treatment Options
How do we treat the disorder? Well, we recommend an oral appliance, which when worn at night reduces the strain on the jaw joints. The appliance can also provide a barrier between the upper and lower sets of teeth, preventing damage from bruxism episodes. Finally, you can make changes in your daily life, such as reducing stress or avoiding caffeine products. If you have any questions, then please don’t hesitate to contact our office today.
Do You Grind Your Teeth?
We can treat teeth grinding with a comfortable and minimally invasive oral appliance. Our Dallas, TX office welcomes patients from North Oak Cliff, Bishop Arts District, Kessler Park, Duncanville, Grand Prairie, and nearby cities. Our Richardson, TX office welcomes patients from North Dallas, Plano, Garland, and the surrounding communities. To schedule an appointment, call Viva Dental Family Dentistry at (214) 337-7800 (Dallas) or (972) 437-6000 (Richardson).
