Our Toluca Lake dentists are here to provide some helpful information about bruxism. Bruxism is a condition in which a person clenches and grinds their teeth subconsciously. While it’s not entirely clear what causes bruxism, there are several ways to treat it. Keep reading to get more information about this condition.
Bruxism Signs & Symptoms
Our dental team encourage you to stay alert for signs of bruxism, so that you can start to treatment before the problem becomes severe. So, what how does bruxism manifest? Bruxism sufferers often experience:
- Jaw soreness or pain
- Discomfort around the back molars
- Neck or jaw muscle tension
- Temporomandibular joint damage (clicking or popping sensations)
- Frequent headaches
- Disrupted sleep
Over time, bruxism can lead to more serious oral health problems, including eroded dental enamel and cracked and chipped teeth. It is very important for you to seek prompt treatment for bruxism both to alleviate current symptoms and safeguard your smile for the future.
Bruxism Treatment Solutions
Our dental team always personalizes treatment to suit the patient’s individual needs. So, when you come in to meet with our dental team, we’ll complete a thorough assessment to pin down the underlying cause of your bruxism. Based on what we find, we may recommend that you:
- Undergo orthodontic treatment to improve your bite alignment
- Replace ill-fitting restorations or bonding
- Use composite resin to even out your bite surfaces
- Wear a custom-crafted oral appliance to protect your teeth at night
- Receive TMJ treatment to improve jaw functionality
The good news is that many of these treatment options deliver results very quickly, if not immediately. The sooner that bruxism is identified and treated, the better the patient’s long-term dental prognosis.
So, if you think that you’re dealing with bruxism, please don’t want to reach out for help and support. Our Toluca Lake bruxism dentists are happy to provide you with any additional information you may need!