Dental Problems Caused by Bruxism
Dental problems come in many different forms. Sometimes they are generally aesthetic in nature while other times they involve your overall dental health. Whatever the case may be, Jackson cosmetic dentist Dr. Danny O’Keefe will be able to help you, creating a customized treatment plan that will greatly improve the overall appearance of your smile and as well as your overall well-being. This is especially true if you are dealing with bruxism.
What is bruxism?
Bruxism is also know as teeth grinding. This is a bit of a misnomer, however. Usually the teeth grinding refers to a clenching or gnashing that goes on at night which a person is completely unaware of.
What causes tooth grinding?
There are many different causes of tooth grinding. Stress and anxiety are a major cause in many cases. The primary problem, however, rests in the alignment of the teeth. If your teeth are misaligned, you are more likely to clench and gnash during the night. When you come into our practice, our Jackson cosmetic dentistry team will evaluate your dental health in order to identify the exact cause of your tooth grinding.
Dental Problems and Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding can cause a number of different dental problems of varying degrees. These dental problems may be aesthetic or may affect your overall health. Let’s take a moment to look at some major dental problems associated with tooth grinding.
Tooth Aches and Headaches
Pain in the teeth, the gums, the temples, the ears, and the head are all common. The stress placed on these structures from jaws clenching and muscles working can be quite severe in some cases.
TMJ Disorders
Because of the stress placed on the jaw joints and the muscles of the jaw, pain in the jaw can occur. Locking of the jaw, popping and clicking of the jaw, and other major issues like these are common as well. This is known as a TMJ disorder.
Tooth Damage and Injuries
Because of the constant stress on the teeth, cracks or chips are not uncommon due to tooth grinding. These may be very slight, but any damage to tooth structure is not a good thing and may lead to more problems down the line.
Dealing with These Dental Problems
There are many different dental care treatments available for the dental problems associated with tooth grinding. If you have a TMJ disorder due to tooth grinding, Jackson TMJ treatment is available. Some of these treatments may be non-surgical, though in extreme cases there are surgical treatments available.
For tooth damage, it’s important that your teeth be restored and properly fixed. For these matters, dental crowns and other restorative measures can be used to address your needs.
It’s of the utmost importance that the root cause of your tooth grinding be addressed to prevent problems in the future. This may mean teeth straightening measures or other therapies.
Schedule a Consultation at Our Practice
If you would like to learn more about teeth grinding and the various ways the problems associated with teeth grinding can be treated, contact our Jackson cosmetic dentistry practice today. The entire team looks forward to discussing these matters with you in person so we can answer all of your questions and address any of your concerns.