If you grind your teeth or clench your jaw, you could be at a higher risk of developing damage. Constant wear and tear can weaken the enamel of our teeth, which could lead to developing fractures or decay. Constant tension in our jaws could also lead to jaw disorders, such as TMJ. If you suffer from teeth grinding in Fallston, MD, your dentist may be able to help. By treating the root cause of grinding and providing preventative protection, you could avoid further damage.
How to Prevent and Treat Teeth Grinding in Fallston, MD
Typically, we grind or clench our teeth when we’re in high-stress situations. However, overall anxiety and other dental conditions could cause us to grind our teeth at other times, especially during the night. Over time, grinding can leave behind physical signs, such as enamel loss and jaw pain. If you pay attention to these signs, you may be able to work with your dentist to help prevent worsening conditions. After examining your bite and oral health, your dentist may recommend a variety of treatment options.
Restorative and Orthodontic Treatment
Sometimes, damage to our teeth or malocclusion could be the culprit behind teeth grinding. When one part of our mouth suffers, it can often affect the rest. Your dentist may suggest restorative treatment, such as a dental bridge for tooth loss, or orthodontic treatment, such as Invisalign, to help treat teeth grinding. Typically, these treatment options have additional benefits as well. For example, straightening your smile could help close gaps between your teeth, eliminating ‘food traps’ and helping to improve your oral hygiene.
Custom Nightguards and Mouthguards
For patients who experience jaw pain or popping in the morning, a custom nightguard could help reduce grinding in their sleep. Mouthguards could also help reduce the damage of grinding when in high-stress situations, such as at work or while driving in traffic. Using a custom mouthguard is often recommended to provide both comfort and protection for your teeth. Over-the-counter guards aren’t designed to fit your bite, and they could cause damage to your teeth or gums. Custom guards, on the other hand, fit your teeth for improved treatment.
Stress Reduction
In many cases, teeth grinding is a temporary symptom of high anxiety or stress. While treatment such as a nightguard could help, it’s often best to address the source of stress. Finding ways to find relaxation during the day and night could help reduce grinding and clenching. If you suffer from stress throughout the day, creating a calming routine at night may help you protect your teeth while you sleep.
If you clench or grind your teeth, you could be at a greater risk of developing damage and jaw disorders. At Harford County Dentistry, we offer a range of treatment options that could help alleviate the symptoms of grinding and treat the cause. Call us today at (410) 994-2627 to schedule your consultation and learn more about treatment for teeth grinding.