Dangers of Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding is a common dental problem that many people experience. Many wonder just how serious teeth grinding can be, and the answer is that it can be extremely serious, resulting in major problems with the teeth as well as other structures of the mouth. It’s for this reason that many patients turn to a Troy cosmetic dentist at the Cosmetic Dentistry Institute for assistance.
What is teeth grinding?
Also known as bruxism, teeth grinding occurs when a person is asleep. During sleep, a person may clench his or her teeth together repeatedly, leading to a number of different dental problems. Most people who grind their teeth are completely unaware that they do grind their teeth, which sometimes makes the condition hard to detect when it begins.
What causes teeth grinding to occur?
One of the most common causes of teeth grinding is stress and anxiety. If you have many issues worrying you throughout the day, you may wind up grinding and clenching your teeth at night. Another common cause of teeth grinding is poor tooth alignment or jaw alignment. In such cases, the mouth cannot shut comfortably or in a relaxed manner, leading to clenching and shifting at night.
Determining the exact cause of the tooth grinding will be important. It will allow the dental team at the Cosmetic Dentistry Institute to devise the best possible treatment for the patient’s needs.
Common Dental Problems Caused by Teeth Grinding
One of the most common dental problems associated with teeth grinding is tooth damage. This may mean chipped teeth or cracked teeth of varying levels of seriousness. Sometimes these issues may only be cosmetic, though other times the tooth damage may pose a serious dental health problem.
Due to the strain on the teeth, the muscles of the jaw, and the joints of the jaw, pain is also a common problems associated with teeth grinding. This may mean headaches, ear aches, jaw pain, and tooth pain.
Sometimes the clenching and gnawing will lead to a TMJ disorder. This refers to issues with the jaw joint and commonly involves popping of the jaw, locking of the jaw, clicking of the jaw, and so forth.
Treating Tooth Damage
If you suffer from tooth damage as a result of teeth grinding, there are a number of different cosmetic dentistry options to consider. Porcelain veneers or dental crowns may be used to help restore the strength and appearance of the teeth. The type of restoration required will be determined by the extent of the tooth damage. If your teeth are so damaged by the clenching that extraction is required (which may occur if the tooth was decayed and then severely cracked), then Troy dental implants may be used to restore the tooth.
Treating Other Dental Problems Related to Teeth Grinding
Since the problems associated with tooth grinding are diverse, there are similarly many different options for the treatment of tooth grinding issues. Some of these will involve the use of general dentistry to reduce the pressure on the jaw joint. If the cause of the grinding is crooked teeth, orthodontic treatments may be an option. For serious issues involving the jaw joints, there are a variety of non-surgical and more invasive therapies available.
Find Out More About Teeth Grinding Treatment
For more information about teeth grinding and other matters related to dental health and appearance, contact our Troy cosmetic and restorative dentistry practice today.
