How Does Teeth Grinding Impact Oral Health?

Many of us occasionally grind our teeth, especially in childhood. However, what if in adulthood we continue to grind our teeth, sometimes every night? Known as bruxism, this disorder could lead to serious oral health problems. In today’s blog, we’re looking at the causes of bruxism and how teeth grinding impacts your smile. We’re also going to look at a few possible solutions!

Why Do We Grind Our Teeth?

A number of factors could lead to the onset of a teeth grinding, such as injury to the face or jaw, tooth loss, dental misalignment, bite imbalance, TMJ disorder, and high levels of stress in your daily life. Over time, the constant pressure on your teeth could begin to wear down tooth enamel, or even chip and crack teeth in some cases. The damage exposes the inner tooth structure to harmful bacteria, enabling tooth decay, dental infection, and abscesses to form. Which means the health and stability of your tooth suffers.

Warning Signs of Bruxism

Since we tend to grind our teeth at night, unless someone alerts us, we may not know we suffer from bruxism. Fortunately, there are warning signs to watch for during your waking hours. For example, you may notice pain in your jaw or face, regular headaches, tooth sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks, and toothaches that don’t pass after 48 hours. If you begin to experience one or more of these warning signs, then please contact our office today. Let us help you find the perfect treatment option.

Treating Your Teeth Grinding

After we assess the cause and severity of your disorder by examining your jaw joints and looking for signs of wear and friction on your teeth, we offer solutions. Treating the issue may involve placing or replacing a dental restoration, such as dental a crown. We may need to replace lost teeth with a bridge or dental implants. Orthodontics may also be crucial for improving alignment. However, in most cases we prescribe a custom-made oral appliance. Worn at night and fitting like a mouthguard, the device repositions the jaw to ease tension on the joints. The appliance also provides a barrier between the upper and lower sets of teeth, which helps prevent further damage. If you have any questions about treating bruxism and improving oral health, then contact our team today. Let us help you enjoy a healthier and more comfortable smile!

Do You Have Questions About Bruxism?

We want to help you find the right solutions for chronic teeth grinding. To schedule an appointment to discuss preventive dental care 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.