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Many people may grind and clench their teeth from time to time. Occasional teeth grinding, or bruxism, does not usually cause harm, but when teeth grinding occurs on a regular basis the teeth can be damaged causing other oral health complications to arise. Although teeth grinding can be caused by stress and anxiety, it may often occur during sleep and is more likely caused by an abnormal bite or missing or crooked teeth. Unfortunately, bruxism can be frequent and severe enough to lead to jaw disorders, headaches, damaged teeth and other dental problems. Since bruxism may occur while you are sleeping, you may be unaware of it until complications develop. It is important to know the signs and symptoms of bruxism, in addition to seeking regular dental care from your Atlanta dentist. What Causes Bruxism? Occurring frequently in your sleep, it is often difficult to recognize if you have bruxism. There are a number of signs that can indicate if a person is suffering from teeth grinding such as, your teeth may appear worn down with tips that look flat. Some teeth become so worn that the enamel comes off which then exposes the inside of the tooth causing extreme sensitivity. Many people report pain in their jaw that can produce popping or clicking noises. Additionally, as a result of excessive clenching, a key indicator of bruxism can be indentation on the tongue. Other symptoms include:
* A grinding sound at night
* A dull morning headache
* Occasional swelling on the side of your lower jaw
* Painful jaw joint
* Long-lasting pain in the face
* Damaged teeth, broken dental fillings and injured gums According to the Academy of General Dentistry, if you bite your fingernails when you are stressed, chew on a pencil or clench you jaw during sports competitions, you could be at a greater risk for bruxism.
If you are exhibiting any of these symptoms, it is important to visit your Atlanta dentist to discuss the problem. It is always important to bring attention to an oral issue to prevent further problems. Treatment and How Your Dentist Can Help Your dentist automatically checks for physical signs of teeth grinding at every regular check-up and cleaning. If bruxism seems to be present, it may need to be observed over several visits before recommending treatment or starting therapy. The main objective of therapy is to get the bruxer to change their behavior by learning how to rest their tongue, teeth and lips properly. When some people become aware of their problem, simply advising them to rest their tongue upward with teeth apart and lips shut may be enough to change their behavior. If damage to your dentin has occurred, your dentist can perform different tooth restoration procedures on your teeth. From crowns to composites, your dentist in Atlanta is experienced in restoring worn dentin. Call your Atlanta dentist if you have symptoms of bruxism, or if you are told that you grind your teeth when you sleep. It is also important to visit your dentist if you break a tooth, lose a filling, or notice your teeth are becoming worse. The earlier bruxism is identified, the better it will be in treating the symptoms. Consult your Atlanta dentist for more information on bruxism and how you can further prevent teeth grinding.
Dr. Donald Rozema, Atlanta dentist, is a solo practitioner with an emphasis on occlusion, crowns and bridges, cosmetics, sedation, TMJ, implant restoration and an array of other areas. Dr. Rozema, Atlanta cosmetic dentist, maintains an esthetically focused comprehensive restorative practice in the Buckhead area of Atlanta, Georgia.
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