Frequent headaches, jaw and facial pain, excessive wear to your teeth; these are all symptoms of bruxism, or grinding your teeth. Since bruxism typically occurs at night while you’re sleeping, it can often be hard to diagnose on your own. Your dentist in Keller can help to properly diagnose bruxism so you can receive the treatment you need to protect your teeth and your oral health. Here’s what you should know about bruxism.
What Causes Bruxism?
The causes of bruxism are different for each person, and sometimes it’s a combination of factors. Here are some of the common causes of grinding and clenching your teeth:
- Anxiety or stress
- Missing teeth
- Crooked teeth or a misaligned bite
- Sleep apnea
If you suffer from bruxism, it’s important to work with your dentist to determine the root cause of your problem. Getting to the root of the problem is the best way to determine the most effective treatment.
Why is it so Important to Treat Bruxism?
People who grind their teeth at night may experience excessive wear to their teeth, which could result in the need for treatment such as a root canal or crown. This becomes necessary to restore teeth when there is excessive wear.
Bruxism can also cause damage to your temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, which can result in facial pain, neck and shoulder pain, and headaches or migraines. TMJ issues can be very debilitating and greatly affect your quality of life.
How is Bruxism Treated?
One of the most effective ways to treat bruxism is with an oral appliance. Your dentist can create a custom appliance designed for your unique needs. This can help to slightly reposition the jaw more comfortably so it relieves bruxism, while the appliance fits over your teeth to protect them from any damage.
If you think that you or a loved one might be suffering from bruxism, be sure to talk with your dentist to ensure an accurate diagnosis so you can review your options for TMJ therapy in Keller.
About the Author
Dr. Sheri McIntosh has been taking care of patients in Keller, TX for many years. She focuses each day on providing what she likes to call the “distinguished patient experience,” which is a level of customer service she and her team deliver that sets them apart from all other dental practices.
If you would like to experience dentistry in a whole new way, contact Dr. McIntosh through her website or by calling 817-337-8300.