Many adult patients are dealing with the harmful and sometimes uncomfortable consequences of bruxism, without realizing that bruxism is to blame. So today our Glendale dentists are going to be answering common questions about bruxism. Let’s get started!
Q: What is bruxism?
A: Bruxism refers to chronic dental grinding and clenching. This action can happen day or night—it often pops up in times of extreme stress. Some people, however, suffer from bruxism because their bites are poorly aligned, so their teeth can not find comfortable resting places during sleep.
Q: Why should I worry about bruxism?
A: First of all, bruxism can cause jaw and tooth pain for the patient, so this obviously something that you want to avoid. Additionally, in the long-term bruxism can lead to jaw damage and TMJ dysfunction. Bruxism is also associated with premature dental enamel thinning, which puts your smile at risk for damage and infection. The pressure put on your enamel as your teeth rub against each other can even cause cracks and chips in your teeth
Q: What are some treatment solutions for bruxism?
A: Our dental team will help you decide what treatments will help you avoid long-term bruxism-related issues. Customized mouth guards, for example, will help protect your dental enamel from deterioration. And if your bruxism is the result of bite misalignment, our dental team will help you correct this issue so that your smile functions optimally.
Don’t let bruxism damage your smile and hamper your daily life. If you notice that you are clenching or grinding your teeth, please talk to your dental team about treatment solutions.
Please note that if you are grinding your teeth at night, you may wake up with jaw pain and tender teeth in the back of your smile.
Our Glendale dentists are happy to answer your questions about bruxism and other oral health issues. Give us a call to get started!