How Do We Treat Teeth Grinding?

cleveland bruxism

Bruxism, or chronic teeth grinding, could lead to damage and cause problems for your overall oral health. Fortunately, we can not only repair the damage, but your Cleveland, TX, dentist knows how to help you stop grinding and clenching your teeth. We don’t need a surgical procedure, but instead our office uses a noninvasive oral appliance.

The Causes of Bruxism

Why do some of us grind and clench our teeth so frequently at night? The causes vary, but could be linked to tooth loss, misalignment, untreated TMJ disorder, injury to the face or mouth, and other factors that upset the balance of your bite and strains the jaw joints. High levels of stress in your daily life could be a factor too, and the consumption of caffeinated beverages and hard/chewy foods could exacerbate symptoms too. As part of your treatment, we will carefully examine your smile to diagnose the possible factors behind your bruxism, so we can select the most appropriate treatment option.

The Possible Dangers for Your Smile

When we grind and clench our teeth, this not only creates a grating sound that drives our significant others insane, but could damage your smile. The pressure could wear down outer enamel, making the teeth look short, and also crack and chip the outer structure too. The inner portions of your tooth will then be exposed to bacteria, which enables tooth decay and dental infection. Not only do you start to experience serious discomfort, but the risk of losing tooth increases with time. To protect your smile, let us know if you grind your teeth. Common warning signs include headaches, migraines, jaw pain, facial aches, and pain in the neck and shoulders. Tooth sensitivity and toothaches are often reported as well!

Oral Appliance Therapy

To treat the issue, we may suggest oral appliance therapy. Basically, we will take detailed digital images and measurements of your smile. In a dental lab, these details will be used to design and craft an oral appliance. The device will be similar in fit and appearance as a mouthguard, and is worn as you rest. The device then moves the jaw, repositioning it to ease strain and restore bite balance. The device also prevents further damage by placing a barrier between the upper and lower sets of teeth. Other treatment options could include crown placement and orthodontic care. If you have any questions about diagnosing and treating bruxism, then please contact our team today.

Your Cleveland, TX Dentist’s Office Offers Bruxism Solutions

Cleveland Family Dentistry in Cleveland, TX wants to prevent damaged and decayed smiles due to teeth grinding. To learn more about our approach to preventive dental care, then contact our office at (281) 592-1234 to schedule your appointment today.