Dental health issues often build on each other. For instance, if you have a cracked or broken tooth, then that issue can throw your bite off, leading to bruxism. The consistent teeth-grinding from bruxism can worsen your tooth damage, leading to even more serious oral health concerns. Even if you restore the tooth, however, the presence of bruxism can threaten the restoration’s integrity, eventually damaging it and requiring further dental treatment. Because bruxism can threaten your teeth as well as any cosmetic or restorative treatment you receive, addressing it may have to be the first step in your treatment plan.
What Is Bruxism?
Bruxism is the formal term for habitual teeth-grinding, though the condition is more of an unconscious reaction than a habit. If often occurs at night, making it difficult to detect for many patients until tooth sensitivity develops from worn or damaged teeth. Bruxism can be caused by a bite imbalance, an unusual amount of chronic stress, or many other reasons. If not treated, it can lead to continuously worse damage to your teeth, as well as lead to the development of the jaw dysfunction, TMJ disorder.
Protecting Your Dental Work
For healthy, natural teeth, bruxism can be one of the greatest threats to their integrity, and the same is true for any dental crown, porcelain veneer, tooth filling, or other restoration present. In the midst of bruxism, you cannot always consciously stop yourself from grinding your teeth and dental work against each other. However, with a custom-designed nightguard, your dentist may be able to help you protect your smile from the stress. The appliance can be worn while you sleep to prevent nighttime bruxism, giving you more time to successfully address the underlying cause of it.
Stop Bruxism from Harming Your Teeth and Restoration
If you exhibit signs of bruxism, then your dentist will help you address it before recommending any other cosmetic or restorative treatment. To learn more, or to schedule a consultation, call Woodland Hills Dental Arts in Woodland Hills, CA today at 818-347-5124.