If you let a teeth grinding problem go on for too long, issues with dental damage can become difficult to overlook. In addition to wearing down teeth, this habit can lead to problems with chipping and cracking that hurt your oral health. At our Ankeny, IA dentist’s office, patients who show signs of this problem, known as bruxism, can receive a custom oral appliance that protects their teeth. Because teeth grinding is an issue that often affects people while they sleep, having the appliance in place helps them avoid dental damage at a time when they are not able to consciously stop grinding or clenching. Our office can help you deal with dental damage that has already occurred.
A Teeth Grinding Habit Can Become More Serious Than You Realize
It is possible to chip or crack a tooth when you clench or grind your jaw. At the point that this occurs, restorative dental work can be necessary. Ignoring this problem can lead to difficulties with biting and chewing, and it can even lead to an infection that further hurts your tooth’s health. To properly protect a tooth that has been injured, we can recommend a dental crown. The crown will be carefully constructed to fit comfortably, and we can discuss the use of lifelike porcelain to design a crown that is visible when you speak and smile. On top of stopping infections and further harm, crowns help you bite and chew without difficulty.
Addressing Dental Wear And Tear
Dental wear and tear may not be serious enough to affect your oral health, but it can still be a concern because of its impact on your smile. Porcelain veneers and dental bonding work offer conservative cosmetic solutions to problems with wear and tear. One thing to remember is that these are cosmetic services, meaning they will not help support your bite function. If there are already concerns that your tooth’s health is compromised, restorative dental work will be necessary.
Other Changes That Can Help You Avoid Dental Damage
Your diet can actually soften your enamel over time. If you enjoy acidic foods and beverages like spicy foods, soft drinks, and citrus products, you may be gradually weakening teeth, leaving yourself more susceptible to physical damage and cavities. Another issue to watch out for is aggressive brushing – while harder brush strokes offer little extra support for cleaning your teeth, they can wear away layers of your enamel and make you more susceptible to problems.
Talk To Your Ankeny, IA Dentist’s Office About Teeth Grinding Issues
Your Ankeny, IA dentist is prepared to help you move past problems with teeth grinding and clenching! In addition to keeping your teeth safe while you sleep, we can provide treatment to deal with cosmetic and oral health issues. To find out more about our services, please contact Dental Impressions at (515) 965-0230.
