Do You Grind Your Teeth?
|
| Many people grind or clench their teeth. Are you one
of them? Although teeth grinding (bruxism) may happen at
any time, people often grind their teeth in their sleep.
You may not even know you're doing it. The causes are
not clear. Stress is one possible cause, but often the
reason for the habit is not known. |
Damage Caused by Teeth Grinding
|
 Teeth
grinding may cause:
- Chipped enamel
- Flattened, grooved, worn-down
teeth
- Loosened teeth
- Cracked teeth
If something isn't done to stop the
damage, bruxism may lead to jaw muscle or joint problems
and even loss of your teeth. |
| Evaluating the Problem |
| To decide how best to help you, your
dentist will inspect your teeth and ask questions. This
evaluation helps confirm that you do grind your teeth.
It may also help identify a possible cause of your
teeth-grinding habit. |
The Symptoms of Grinding
|
| Your dentist may ask whether you have
certain symptoms such as: |
- A sore, tired jaw
- Dull headaches
- Earaches
- Sensitive teeth
Symptoms like these may be a signal
that you grind your teeth. |
| Possible Treatments |
| You and your dentist can decide how
best to treat your teeth-grinding problem. The most
common treatments are listed below. |
Mouth Guards
|
 A
mouth guard is a plastic device that fits over your
teeth. It protects them from grinding damage. A mouth
guard is worn at the times when you're most likely to
grind your teeth.
Stress Reduction
Stress is suspected in many cases of bruxism. Reducing
stress may help relax your jaw muscles and make grinding
less likely. Your dentist may suggest regular exercise
or other ways to reduce stress.
Medication
In some cases medication may be given. It may help
relieve sore muscles or reduce stress.
Fixing Damaged Teeth
Your dentist can discuss ways to fix teeth damaged by
bruxism.
Crowns and onlays are two ways to fix damaged
teeth. |
Wearing a Mouth Guard
|
| A mouth guard can help protect your
teeth from damage due to grinding. Because many people
need to wear one at night, a mouth guard is sometimes
called a night guard. The guard is custom-made out of
plastic. It may fit over your top or bottom teeth. Wear
your mouth guard exactly as your dentist instructs.
Also, be sure to care for your mouth guard properly. |
| Mouth Guard Care |
-
 Rinse
the guard before wearing it and after removing it
from your mouth.
- Brush it gently with a toothbrush
and toothpaste or liquid soap after removing it.
- Soak the guard in water when
you're not wearing it, unless told otherwise.
- Soak the guard in denture cleaner
every so often to help keep it fresh.
- Check you guard for signs of
wear. Show it to your dentist at each checkup. Mouth
guards may wear down and need to be repaired or
replaced.
|
| Protect Your Smile |
| Getting teeth grinding under control
can help you sleep better at night and feel better
during the day. It can also help you protect your smile
by keeping your teeth from being damaged. |
|
Contact
Paradise Dental
for more
information about treating teeth
grinding problems and fixing damaged teeth
caused
from grinding. |
