Bruxism (teeth grinding) signs, complications, and treatment
Emmanuel Dental & Orthodontics strives to prevent the need for future dental work. This is a possibility because so many oral conditions can be avoided with preventive professional services and home care. One of the ways that we maintain healthy smiles is by serving on the front lines of detecting destructive bruxism. Early detection is the first step in preventing damage that can affect the structural integrity of teeth and other tissues and structures in the mouth.
What is bruxism?
The bruxism that our team in Richardson, Texas, finds and treats is characterized by chronic teeth grinding and jaw clenching. These grinding and clenching behaviors often happen unknowingly when patients are asleep. However, some individuals may “brux” while awake as well.
How do you spot bruxism?
Patients are often surprised to learn that they grind their teeth and clench their jaws, since they do so while sleeping. Drs Pramod Thomas and Fred Silva frequently uncover bruxism during routine hygiene appointments. As our dentists examine patients’ teeth, they may notice “telltale” signs – signs that should never be ignored and that warrant prompt treatment.
What are some of those signs?
Because patients are grinding their teeth reflexively, the force that is placed on the tooth structure and surrounding structures and tissues can be significant. In fact, researchers have found that the pressure associated with bruxism is so great that it could crack a walnut! Just imagine what the pressure does to your teeth, day in and day out. It shows up on your teeth and other parts of your mouth as:
- Flat teeth
- Excessive wear and tear to fillings, crowns, bridges, and other dental restorations
- Chips
- Fractures or cracks
- Teeth that are loose or wobbly in their sockets
- Extreme tooth sensitivity due to enamel erosion
- Stains or yellow teeth as enamel wears away and reveals the darker dentin layer underneath
- Receding gums or a smile that looks “toothy” as more of each tooth is exposed
- Pockets or spaces between the teeth that can harbor bacteria and cause gum disease\
Does bruxism just cause problems with the teeth and gums?
No. Bruxism can have far-reaching consequences for your health and comfort beyond the teeth and gums. For instance, bruxism has often been implicated in symptoms associated with the temporomandibular joints. These “jaw joints” on either side of the face support fluid movements that allow you to speak, eat, and otherwise open and close your mouth comfortably and without difficulty. Any time the TMJs become “stressed,” you may experience pain. This pain can affect the jaw, face, head, and ears. Bruxism can be a major stressor, and may also be the source of your TMJ symptoms like chronic tension headaches and migraines, earaches and tinnitus, and other problems that seem to have nothing to do with the mouth at first blush.
How do you treat bruxism?
It is important to stop the damage from getting worse. Untreated bruxism can lead to tooth loss and the breakdown of the supportive tissues. We can design custom-fitted oral appliances. Most commonly called “nightguards,” these appliances are worn before you go to bed. They act as a buffer between your upper and lower teeth when you unknowingly grind your teeth while asleep. Other appliances may also be recommended to help with TMJ symptoms, such as persistent headaches.
Additionally, it is important to understand the true source of your bruxism. For example, misaligned teeth or bite imbalances can be a contributing factor. As a full-service provider of general dentistry and orthodontic services, Emmanuel Dental & Orthodontics may resolve the root cause of your teeth grinding with other treatments, too, such as Fastbraces®.
If you are due for a dental visit or are concerned that your teeth or gums don’t look or feel right, schedule an appointment today. Call (972) 200-2995 to speak with a member of our team in Richardson, TX.
