Clenching and grinding your teeth (bruxism) is a problem that typically happens at night, making it challenging to diagnose independently. Often, your bed partner might hear you grinding your teeth while you sleep. Or you might wake up with jaw pain or a headache. Your dentist may also diagnose bruxism if they notice excessive wear or other damage to your teeth.
Problems Caused By Bruxism in Prosper
Tooth grinding may not seem like a big deal; however, it can contribute to problems with your dental health, such as:
- Temporomandibular joint disorder - TMD is a painful disorder that impacts your jaw joints, causing problems like popping and clicking, locking open or closed, pain or tenderness when you're chewing, frequent headaches or migraines.
- Fractures and chipping - The force of your jaw during clenching and grinding can cause fractures, chipping, or premature wear on your teeth, resulting in the need for treatment like dental bonding or porcelain veneers.
- Enamel wear - When your enamel erodes, it can expose the inner layers of your teeth, cause sensitivity, and make your teeth more susceptible to decay and cavities.
How Do We Treat Tooth Clenching and Grinding?
Your dentist in Prosper, TX has solutions for bruxism that will protect your smile and your dental health. If clenching and grinding are a problem for you, Dr. Patel will determine the root cause of your condition during an examination.
For example, sometimes bruxism is caused by bite misalignment. If this is the case for you, orthodontic treatment to correct your bite could alleviate bruxism and jaw joint problems.
For others, a custom night guard worn while they sleep is an excellent solution to protect their teeth from the damage that bruxism causes.
Contact Prosper Smiles Family Dentistry for More Information
If you think that you or your loved one might be suffering from bruxism in Prosper, TX, contact Prosper Smiles Family Dentistry to learn more about solutions to protect your smile.