You might recognize the term, bruxism, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that you would recognize it if you have it. In fact, because bruxism is often a nighttime problem, many patients don’t realize that they grind their teeth at all. Unfortunately, the longer it takes to notice bruxism, the more damage it can cause to your teeth, which means the more extensive your treatment will be once you are diagnosed with the condition. Today, we examine a few things that patients in Gary, IN, should know about addressing their bruxism, and why it’s important not to hesitate to do so.
What to Know About Teeth-Grinding
- You shouldn’t necessarily assume that you have bruxism just because you grind your teeth once in a while. For many people, that’s a typical response under certain stressful conditions. To be considered bruxism, your teeth-grinding habit has to occur consistently, and its usually caused by one or more underlying dental conditions.
- On the other hand, if you do have bruxism, then assuming that it isn’t a problem could lead to continuously more wear and damage on your teeth. Many patients who have bruxism grind their teeth while they sleep. Not only are you unable to stop, but being unconscious, you’re also unable to mitigate the amount of pressure your jaws exert and the grinding can be intense.
- The good news is that your dentist can detect bruxism and the cause behind it during your routine dental examination and cleaning appointment. Certain signs such as worn tooth surfaces, imbalanced bite alignment, and more can indicate the presence of bruxism even if you don’t yet realize that you have it. Through early detection, your dentist can personalize a treatment plan to help you stop grinding your teeth avoid serious dental health complications.
Find Out How to Protect Your Smile from Bruxism
If you have bruxism, then treating it as soon as possible is the best way to protect your smile from the potential damage that it can cause. To schedule an appointment with your dentist, contact Healthy Smiles in Gary, IN, by calling 219-938-2637, or by emailing our office at info@healthysmilesnwi.com. We also proudly serve the residents of Gary, Miller, Miller Beach, and all surrounding communities.