Chronically clenching and grinding teeth, also known as bruxism, is a habit that can have serious negative consequences for your oral health. Read on to learn about teeth grinding and how our team at Hillstream Dental can protect your smile!
Grinding Can Cause Serious Damage
If left untreated, tooth grinding can contribute to broken teeth, cracked and chipped teeth, enamel erosion, teeth sensitivity, and tooth decay. Over time, the excessive pressure creates little cracks and fissures in your tooth enamel, the hard protective coating over your teeth, and wears it away. This can lead to increased tooth sensitivity and raise your risk for tooth decay and infection. Weakened enamel also endangers your tooth’s sterile inner pulp, which is a bundle of soft tissue, blood vessels, and nerves.
Determine the Cause of Your Teeth Grinding
Our first step in treating your teeth grinding is to help you determine the root cause of the issue. Many people find that they grind their teeth when they are stressed or anxious. In this case, removing the source of stress or implementing strategies for managing stress (such as regular exercise, yoga, meditation, healthy eating, adequate sleep, etc.) can reduce tooth grinding. In other situations, tooth grinding is influenced by a bite misalignment or a serious sleep breathing disorder like obstructive sleep apnea.
Treating Bruxism
If you think you regularly clench and grind your teeth, it is important to get treatment as soon as possible before you permanently wear down and damage your teeth! Our Hillstream Dental team may determine that you would benefit from a customized oral appliance to reduce the effects of teeth grinding during sleep or other times you are prone to grind your teeth, such as when lifting weights or playing sports. And if your teeth are already damaged and worn down from bruxism, we offer many restorative treatments, such as dental crowns or veneers.
Reach Out for Bruxism Treatment!
If you or a loved one struggle with teeth grinding, seek treatment before it causes permanent damage. To ask our team any questions or to schedule an appointment at Hillstream Dental, contact us today.
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