In order to take care of your smile for the long-term, you need to pay attention to habits or chronic conditions that may be taking a toll on our smile. One very common condition that can damage your oral health is called bruxism. In this short article our Orland Park dentists are going to be reviewing some facts about bruxism, and relevant treatments.
So, what is bruxism? In the dental world, we use the term bruxism to refer to chronic dental grinding or clenching. Some people experience episodic bouts of bruxism, especially in times of stress. Other patients deal with bruxism constantly, many people even grind or clench their teeth at night while they are asleep.
If you suffer from bruxism, you may notice some immediate issues like:
- Temporomandibular joint dysfunction and jaw pain
- Tooth pain
- Headaches, and neck/ear pain
Over time, if bruxism is left untreated, you may develop additional oral health problems, such as:
- Teeth that worn down with blunt edges
- Chronic TMJ disorder that affects jaw function
- Increased instances of broken and chipped teeth
- Shifting bite and dental alignment
Because bruxism can develop for a number of different reasons, it is crucial that our Tinley Park dentists discover the root cause of grinding and clenching in order to build a comprehensive treatment plan. Sometimes bruxism patients benefit from undergoing orthodontic treatment so that the patient’s top and bottom teeth come together in a healthy way. Dental restorations and bonding can also help to refine the patient’s bite. We also craft protective oral appliances for bruxism patients to wear at night in order to improve TMJ issues and protect the teeth from enamel-on-enamel damage.
If you notice signs of bruxism in your own life, it’s time to reach out to a dental professional for an evaluation. As always you can contact our Orland Park bruxism dentists by phone or through our Contact Us page.