For most people, teeth grinding is a rare occurrence linked to stress or occurring at a young age. However, for a few, a disorder known as bruxism could arise, a disorder in which a person regularly grinds or clenches the teeth. Unless treated, this could lead to serious complications for your oral health. In today’s blog, your Lake Orion, MI, dentist talks about identifying and treating bruxism!
Bruxism and Tooth Loss
When we grind and clench our teeth frequently, this places enormous pressure on them. Eventually, the protective layer of outer enamel could become worn down, or the teeth could become cracked or chipped. As a result, the inner structure could be exposed to bacteria, leading to an increased risk of decay and infection. In extreme causes, the infected teeth could require removal to prevent the spread of infection. Don’t let a very treatable disorder lead to such major complications for your oral health, talk to your dentist as soon as you experience the symptoms. We can help you enjoy a healthy smile and protect you from serious complications.
Warning Signs to Look For
People who grind their teeth may notice tooth sensitivity or toothaches, as well as soreness in the jaw, neck, or face. Headaches and migraines are also common. If you begin to experience pain in or around your face and head, let us know. Causes of the disorder could include misalignment, poor bite balance, tooth loss, untreated TMJ disorder, stress, and injury to the face or jaw. Using advanced technology, we can carefully examine your jaw joints and oral structures, and even look at the teeth for the tell-tale signs of wear and friction. From there, we can diagnose the issue and recommend the appropriate treatment options.
Treatment With Custom Appliances
Often, treatment involves creating a custom-made oral appliance. Our team will team take detailed impressions and measurements in order to design and craft the device. The appliance will look and fit like a mouthguard, and is worn at night. The device repositions the jaw to ease any pressures, and also places a barrier between the upper and lower teeth to prevent further damage. Other treatment options could include orthodontics to correct misalignment or even a restoration help improve bite balance. If you have any questions about identifying and treating bruxism, then please contact our team today.
Do You Grind Your Teeth?
If you experience the warning signs we’ve discussed in today’s blog, then you should talk to our team before your teeth become worn-down or damaged. We can often address the issue with a comfortable and custom-made oral appliance. To schedule an appointment, call Lake Orion Family Dentistry in Lake Orion, MI, today at 248-693-6213.
