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Bruxism is the clenching or grinding of the teeth, which occurs primarily
while you are sleeping. The symptoms of bruxism are:
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a sore, tired jaw
- difficulty opening and closing your mouth
-
sensitive teeth
- earaches or pain in your jaw joint
The pressure on your teeth is many times greater during bruxism than during
normal chewing. If left untreated you may experience:
- flattened or worn-down teeth
- teeth chipped at the gum line
- loose teeth
- damage to the bone around your teeth
- damage to your jaw joint, the TMJ
Though all the causes of grinding are not known, stress is often a factor.
There are a variety of stress-reduction techniques that may be helpful, or
medication might be recommended to temporarily reduce stress or to reduce pain
and soreness.
Spaces, worn teeth, or teeth that
are out of alignment may cause grinding and clenching. Crowns, bridges, or
other dental restorations can restore your bite and eliminate the pattern of
grinding and clenching.
One of the most common and effective ways to stop the damage caused by
grinding and clenching is the use of a nightguard. A nightguard is a plastic
device that fits over your teeth and is worn at night to protect them from the
damage caused by grinding. There are many types and styles of nightguards. Some
are hard and some are soft; they may be worn on the top or the bottom teeth.
To make a nightguard, on the first appointment our Houston dentist takes
impressions. From these impressions, models are made of your teeth. It's
on these models that the custom nightguard is made. On your second appointment
you will try on the nightguard, and our Houston dentist will carefully
adjust its fit.
Without treatment, the constant clenching and grinding of your teeth can
cause widespread damage in your mouth. Dealing with the problem early on can
restore harmony and prevent many future problems.
You may also be interested in:
Fresh
breath and how to get it, how to keep it
Toothbrush
Abrasion
Gum
Disease and Heart Attacks: Is There a Connection?
Think
smokeless tobacco is safer than cigarettes? Think again
Sleep
Apnea—It's More Than Just Snoring
Brushing
Your Teeth
The
Proper Flossing Technique
Importance
of Regular Exams
Plaque
Disclosing Tablets
Fluoride
Homecare
for periodontal disease
Dental
superfloss
Preventive
dental sealants
Nutrition
and Your Health
Dental
Ultrasonic Scaling
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