Have you ever heard of bruxism? This disorder means that as you sleep, you often grind or clench your teeth. Not only does this irritate your significant other, but this can damage your smile. In today’s blog, your Virginia Beach, VA, dentist talks about how we diagnose and treat issues like bruxism with oral appliance therapy.
The Causes of Chronic Teeth Grinding
Often teeth grinding occurs due to imbalance in your bite, which could be caused by missing teeth, misalignment, injury to the jaw or face, or complications with the growth of your jaw and key oral structures. The eruption of your teeth could be a factor, a could untreated TMJ disorder or even high levels of stress in your daily life. As part of your treatment, our team will carefully examine your smile to assess the cause and extent of your bruxism.
The Warning Signs of Bruxism
The warning signs vary, and could include tooth sensitivity when you eat or drink, or a persistent toothache. This is because the grinding and clenching damages enamel and exposes the sensitive inner structure to harmful bacteria, allowing cavities and infection to develop. Your teeth could appear shorter as well! Other warning signs include headaches, migraines, jaw pain, facial aches, and discomfort in the neck and shoulders. When you experience one or more of these potential symptoms, please alter our team right away!
Easing Discomfort
You could help ease discomfort by avoiding caffeinated products, or items that are hard or chewy, as this could strain your muscles further. You can use a warm washcloth to ease facial tension, and take an over-the-counter pain reliever as needed.
Oral Appliance Therapy
Our team can provide relief with an oral appliance, a device custom-made for your smile. The appliance is worn at night while you sleep, and fits like a mouthguard. But once in place, this repositions your jaw to ease tension and strain. The device also puts a barrier between the upper and lower sets of teeth to protect your smile from further damage. If you have damaged teeth, we could discuss repair with dental bonding or even a custom dental crown. If you suffer from the symptoms of teeth grinding and want relief, then don’t hesitate to reach out to our team and schedule a consultation. We will also answer any questions or concerns you may have, and we’re ready to start you on a path to a healthy, strong, and comfortable smile again.
Schedule A Visit for Teeth Grinding Treatment
We want to offer a solution for your chronic teeth grinding so you can enjoy a healthy and comfortable smile. Call Absolute Dental Care in Virginia Beach, VA at (757) 428-7440 to schedule an appointment and discuss treatment with an oral appliance!
