The Dangers of Teeth Grinding
When we grind or clench our teeth on a regular basis, this places enormous pressure on the teeth. Over time, this pressure could crack or chip a tooth, or wear down the structure. Not only do teeth appear short or uneven, but the injuries expose the sensitive tissues to harmful oral bacteria. As a result, the teeth are more likely to develop tooth decay or even dental infection. To avoid major discomfort, and prevent the risk of tooth loss, you need treatment. But how do you know if you grind your teeth?
The Symptoms of Bruxism
A significant other could let you know about your bruxism, or you could watch for the common daytime symptoms, such as headaches, migraines, jaw pain, facial aches, and tooth sensitivity and toothaches. When you experience chronic pain in and around your smile, you should let us know. We can examine your smile and assess the wear and friction on the teeth to understand the cause and extent of your bruxism, choosing the most appropriate treatment option. You could also ease pain by avoiding hard or chewy foods, so you don’t exacerbate symptoms, and you can use a warm washcloth to ease strain in the jaw.
Our Solutions
For some, treatment could include orthodontics to correct misalignment and restore balance to your bite. You could also benefit from bonding, contouring, or even custom crowns to improve balance and chewing function. If you have missing teeth, we could use a bridge or implant to fill the gap. However, the most common solution is an oral appliance.
Created based on detailed digital images we take of your smile, this appliance will be custom-fitted for your smile and worn as you sleep. The device then repositions the jaw to ease strain and prevent further symptoms. This also puts a barrier between the upper and lower sets of teeth to prevent further damage. If you have cracked, chipped, or worn-down teeth, we can repair them in one visit with bonding and contouring, or with the placement of a crown.
If you have any questions, then give us a call today.
Talk to Your Woodland Hills, CA Dentist Today
Our team is eager to help you enjoy a good night’s rest without grinding or damaging your teeth. If you would like to learn more about the benefits of oral appliance therapy, then contact your Woodland Hills, CA dentist, Dr. Naminik, by calling 818-347-5124.