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If you grind your teeth at night on a regular basis, then you may suffer from bruxism. The disorder could eventually damage your smile and cause serious complications. But what causes bruxism to form, and how will your Mansfield, TX, dentists stop this common oral heath concern? Let’s look at how we diagnose and treat bruxism!

Diagnosing The Issue

When we examine your smile during a routine checkup appointment, we will look at your teeth for signs of wear or friction. Often, this minor damage could point to the presence of teeth grinding. If we discover worn down teeth, then we will work on identifying the factors behind your teeth grinding and recommend the most appropriate treatment option.

Possible Causes and Warning Signs

A number of different factors could lead to the onset of bruxism. For example, tooth loss, injury to the face or jaw, high levels of stress in daily life, misalignment, and bite imbalance could all lead to grinding and clenching. In addition, untreated TMD could also increase the risk of the disorder. Over time, you may begin to experience pain in your smile, such as toothaches and tooth sensitivity. You may also experience jaw pain, headaches, migraines, and facial discomfort. If you begin to experience these possible warning signs then please see our team as soon as possible. Remember, lack of treatment means the pressure from teeth grinding could damage teeth, increasing the risk of cavities and harmful infections!

Treatment Options

If you’ve worn down or chipped/cracked a tooth, we may use dental bonding or a crown to repair the damage. Next, we’ll offer treatment to prevent further episodes, such as a crown to correct balance or orthodontics to improve overall dental alignment. In many cases, treatment will consist of an oral appliance. The device will be created based on detailed impressions and measurements we take of your smile. We then craft the custom oral appliance, which will fit like a mouthguard and be worn as you sleep. The device relieves pressure on the jaw joints and also prevents further damage by placing a barrier between the upper and lower sets of teeth. If you grind your teeth or suffer from the painful symptoms we’ve discussed in today’s blog, then please contact our team today. We’ll perform a thorough diagnosis and create a personalized treatment plan. If you have any questions or concerns, then please let us know!

Do You Grind Your Teeth?

If you suffer from bruxism, then we can offer treatment to return your smile to full function and health. To learn more about our approach to general and preventive dentistry, then schedule a consultation by calling our dentist’s office in Mansfield, TX, today at 817-473-6227.