Do you ever grind your teeth? Regular teeth grinding or jaw clenching is also known as bruxism. A serious oral health issue, bruxism, affects millions of people and can lead to serious damage to the smile. What causes bruxism? Understanding the causes of this disorder is the first step towards treatment.
Bruxism Quiz in Ankeny, IA
- True or False: Stress can lead to teeth grinding.
- True or False: Without treatment you can develop damaged teeth.
- True or False: You can help ease symptoms with lifestyle changes.
- True or False: We can address the issue with an oral splint.
Answer Key
- True. Stress is one of the major causes of teeth grinding. Other potential causes include injury to the face or jaw, malocclusion, tooth loss, or TMJ disorder. Assessing the factors behind your bruxism is crucial for providing the most appropriate treatment.
- True. Over time, teeth grinding can place strain the jaw joints, wear down enamel, or cause teeth to become cracked or chipped. Damaged teeth can increase the risk of tooth decay and infection. Possible symptoms to watch for include headaches, earaches, toothaches, or discomfort in the jaw, neck, or shoulders.
- True. First, we recommend reducing your day-to-day stress. In addition, you can ease discomfort by avoiding caffeine or chewing on hard objects, such as pencils or ice. For teeth grinding that develops as a result of TMJ disorder then you may also try muscle exercises or placing a warm compress against the side of your face.
- True. One of our treatments includes an oral splint. Similar in appearance to a nightguard, the device repositions the jaw to ease strain and places a barrier between the upper and lower teeth, protecting your smile from further damage. If you have any questions please contact our office for more information or to schedule a visit.
ABOUT YOUR ANKENY DENTIST:
Since 2006, Dr. Amanda Foust has proudly treated families in Ankeny, Alleman, Elkhart, Bondurant, and all surrounding communities. To learn more, schedule an appointment with your Ankeny, IA dentist today. You can reach Dental Impressions by calling (515) 965-0230.
