Save Your Smile with Teeth Grinding Treatment
Do you wake up with sore jaws or headaches? Are your teeth cracked or appear worn? The culprit could be bruxism, a common yet misunderstood dental condition involving excessive teeth grinding and clenching. Left untreated, excessive teeth grinding can cause several oral health issues.
Sac Dentist offers teeth grinding treatment to patients in Sacramento, California, to protect the smile you have worked so hard to maintain. If you suspect bruxism, visit Dr. Steven Phan today for treatment.
Why do I have bruxism?
Bruxism is an oral parafunctional activity that affects millions of Americans. It’s characterized by teeth grinding and jaw clenching, which typically happens when sleeping, although some people experience daytime bruxism. Bruxism doesn’t occur for no reason—it’s often a response to several factors that can be either physiological, physical, or a combination of both.
Here is a closer look at the causes of bruxism:
- Stress/anxiety: Many people grind and clench their teeth as a coping mechanism for stress and anxiety.
- Misaligned teeth: Bite issues (malocclusions) can result in teeth grinding as the body tries to find a more balanced position.
- Lifestyle factors: Certain lifestyle factors, like smoking, caffeine intake, drug abuse, or alcohol abuse, can trigger bruxism.
- Sleep disorders: Patients with sleep-disordered breathing problems like sleep apnea have an increased risk of teeth grinding.
Recognizing bruxism: How do I know I am a nighttime grinder?
Bruxism (teeth grinding or clenching) is often overlooked or misdiagnosed because it manifests during sleep. Identifying bruxism early is essential to prevent complications like broken teeth. Here are the warning signs of bruxism.
- Worn-out tooth surfaces
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Cracked or fractured enamel
- Waking up with jaw pain or soreness
- Tension headaches
- Enlarged facial muscles
Beyond visible enamel wear, teeth grinding can have far-reaching consequences on oral health. Untreated bruxism can cause broken teeth and restorations, gum recession, and TMJ-related pain. Don’t let bruxism ruin your smile. Teeth grinding treatment in Sacramento, California, can protect your smile and restore your quality of life.
How does the dentist diagnose bruxism?
While worn enamel might suggest grinding, it could also stem from habits like aggressive tooth brushing or consuming acidic beverages. Only a trained dental professional can accurately determine the root cause of the wear by examining patterns, location, and other signs.
This is why we emphasize routine dental check-ups, because our trained team examines your teeth for signs of bruxism. If Dr. Phan suspects bruxism, he’ll use dental X-rays to determine the extent of damage.
How is bruxism treated?
Your Sacramento dentist will first treat any damage with tooth fillings, crowns, and root canals. Then, to prevent further damage, the dentist recommends wearing a customized nightguard during sleep. A bruxism nightguard creates a barrier between upper and lower teeth, minimizing the effects of teeth grinding on your teeth. Nightguards also put your jaws in an optimal position to reduce strain on your joints and surrounding musculature.
Other treatment options for bruxism include:
- Stress management techniques, including yoga, meditation, and exercise
- Orthodontic treatments to realign your teeth and bite
- Muscle relaxation stretches
- Botox injections
- Prescription muscle relaxants
Is it time for bruxism treatment in Sacramento, California?
Untreated bruxism can wreak havoc on your oral health, sleep, and quality of life. Treatment restores comfort, protects your teeth, and avoids the need for major dental work. If you suspect bruxism in Sacramento, CA, and surrounding areas, call (916) 999-7830 and reserve an appointment with Sac Dentist.
