Do you grind your teeth? If so, this common oral health disorder could actually endanger the health of your smile. Also known as bruxism, chronic teeth grinding can damage teeth and lead to serious complications. Fortunately, we have options to help you stop teeth grinding, as well as to address any damage your smile sustained.
The Causes and Symptoms of Bruxism
Bruxism can arise as a result of high stress levels in your day-to-day life. Other factors can include tooth loss, misalignment, injury to the face or mouth, and TMJ disorder. In most cases, bruxism episodes only occur at night. However, you may notice a number of potential symptoms developing during the day, such as tooth sensitivity, toothaches, pain in the jaw or face, or persistent headaches. If one or more of these warning signs sound familiar, then please contact our team to schedule a diagnosis. We can find out if you require treatment to safeguard your smile.
Protecting Your Smile
We look at your smile for signs of friction and damage from grinding or clenching. If we find you’re suffering from the symptoms of teeth grinding, then we may suggest a custom-made oral appliance. The mouthguard will provide a barrier between the upper and lower teeth, preventing further damage to them. To avoid further episodes, we will need to address the causes of your bruxism, which may require orthodontics or possibly dental restorations.
Addressing the Damage
Persistent grinding and clenching not only causes discomfort, but can also chip or fracture teeth. In addition to protecting your teeth and preventing further episodes, we can also repair any damage that has developed using custom-made dental crowns, dental bonding, or even lifelike veneers. If you have any questions or concerns about teeth grinding, or if you think you need to have your smile examined, then please contact our team today.
Do You Grind Your Teeth?
At Magnolia Family Dental, Dr. Johnson-G’Sell and our talented team offer solutions for bruxism and other jaw joint related disorders. To schedule a visit with Dr. Emily Johnson, call Magnolia Family Dental in Kirkwood/St. Louis, MO, today at 314-822-4521.