Bruxism is a type of condition that happens when you grind, clench, or gnash your teeth unconsciously. It impacts people of any age and can take place while you are asleep or awake. Although some people have mild bruxism, others tend to practice it frequently, which can cause different complications. No matter the seriousness of your bruxism, family dentistry Columbia TN can help you identify its symptoms and the kind of treatments that can give relief and reduce the damage it can cause to your teeth.
Symptoms of Bruxism
If you have bruxism, you may experience any of the following symptoms:
- Significant tooth pain and sensitivity.
- Tired jaw muscles.
- Worn or flattened teeth ridges.
- Difficulty closing or opening your jaw.
- Frequently interrupted teeth.
- Neck, jaw, and face pain.
- Visible damage inside the cheek due to chewing.
- Teeth grinding or clenching
- Dull, throbbing headaches.
Common Treatments for Bruxism
Usually, bruxism will resolve itself. Adult sufferers may have mild bruxism and do not require some treatment. Also, children with bruxism often outgrow the condition without needing treatment. But a serious case of bruxism must be addressed by your dentist. A lot of treatment options are available to stop the impacts of the condition and treat its underlying cause. These options include the following:
- Anxiety and stress management therapy. If your bruxism is caused by anxiety, you should speak with a counselor. Stress that causes bruxism can be addressed by taking part in practices such as meditation that help you relax.
- Treatment for related conditions. Some bruxism may be associated with some medical conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease. Also, sleeping disorders may cause bruxism. In these cases, you need to get treatment for such conditions to resolve your bruxism.
How Your Dentist Can Treat the Impacts of Bruxism
Dental treatment options are meant to prevent complications or restore the damage your bruxism has caused. These include:
- Corrective dental procedures. If your bruxism has changed your teeth’s shape, making it difficult for you to chew correctly or experience serious tooth sensitivity, you may benefit from dental crowns or teeth reshaping.
- Mouth guards. Your dentist can recommend these devices to limit the damage caused by constant clenching and grinding. Mouth guards can be made of soft or hard materials, and you can choose the one you are comfortable with. You will wear these devices while you sleep at night, acting as a barrier between your lower and upper teeth.