If you often wake up in the morning feeling tired and have a headache, or frequently experience sensitivity when eating, you may have bruxism. This condition causes you to grind your pearly whites together, usually when you are unaware. As a result, you may notice these symptoms and more. If you believe you may have this disorder, the team at Woodland Hills Dental Arts in California is here to help treat the problem.
What Causes Bruxism
Unfortunately, there is no single cause for grinding. Stress, genetics, an uneven bite, and more may cause the condition. Many patients with TMJ disorder are also found to have bruxism. The excessive amount of pressure placed on the jaw due to TMD can lead to clenching of the jaw, which causes the teeth to mash against each other. In some cases, this disorder may go away on its own. Aligning your teeth may improve the condition, as well as reducing stress. However, if the symptoms continue to progress, it is important to seek professional care.
Treating This Problem
Along with the symptoms mentioned earlier, your dentist may also recognize signs of grinding. This may be seen during your biannual checkup. Worn tooth surfaces, increased amounts of cavities, or cracked teeth are common indicators of this condition. Together, these symptoms can be used to diagnose the problem. Once diagnosed, a treatment plan can be created.
For many patients, an oral appliance can help alleviate their symptoms. This retainer-like guard is created to snuggly fit your smile and protect your pearly whites. An oral appliance can also help support your jaw and keep your airways open, which may also help patients who have TMJ or snore.
Restoring Damaged Caused By This Disorder
Bruxism may cause your enamel to be worn down quickly, which can make you more susceptible to cavities and broken teeth. Tooth decay can often be restored with a simple filling. During this process, the damaged area is removed, and composite resin is added in its place. This will prevent the cavity from continuing to grow and restrengthen the area. Instead of using materials such as amalgam or gold, we use composite resin due to its ability to blend in naturally with your smile and its durability.
For patients whose tooth surfaces have been worn down, dental crowns can be placed to protect the area from further damage. These caps will cover the entire tooth and protect against infection, as well as make chewing, speaking, and smiling more comfortable for patients. This restorative piece will look like your natural teeth, so you do not have to worry about it disrupting your smile.
Get Treatment For Bruxism Today
Your dentist can help diagnose and treat your teeth-grinding problem. To schedule an appointment, call Woodland Hills Dental Arts in Woodland Hills, CA, today at (818) 347-5124.