Do you feel tired in the morning after a full night of sleep? Do you often experience headaches? If you experience these problems and more, it could be a sign that you have bruxism. This is a condition that causes you to grind your teeth at night or when you are unaware it is happening. If this is done for extended amounts of time, it can lead to significant smile damage. The team at Dental Impressions in Ankeny, IA, can help diagnose this problem so you can better manage it.
Read more: Protect Your Teeth From BruxismThe Harmful Side Effects Of Bruxism
If you grind your teeth infrequently, such as on occasion when you are stressed, this may not cause serious problems. You may notice that your jaw is sore, or your teeth are mildly sensitive, but this feeling will likely go away within a few hours. However, if you are constantly grinding your teeth together or clenching your jaw, this can cause serious problems for your pearly whites. Doing this excessively can lead to your pearly whites becoming worn down and more susceptible to damage. This may require the need for several restorations in the future. You may need dental crowns to restore the damaged areas, fillings to treat frequent cavities, and in severe cases, you may need to have the entire tooth replaced.
Aside from oral health concerns, this condition may cause problems for your overall health as well. It can interfere with your sleep, causing you to feel fatigued and irritable throughout the day. This can be especially frustrating as it can be difficult to determine the cause on your own. Bruxism is also often found in patients who have TMJ. When left untreated, this can lead to your TMD concerns worsening, which can cause discomfort.
How To Manage Your Symptoms
The first step in treating bruxism is getting your diagnosis. If you experience symptoms like headaches, jaw pain, tooth sensitivity or discomfort, these may be signs of bruxism. At your next checkup, you can bring these concerns up to your dentist. They may be able to combine these side effects with other physical signs, like extreme wear of your teeth. This can help diagnose the problem and a helpful treatment plan can be created.
An oral appliance can be used to protect your pearly whites from grinding against each other while you sleep. It will be crafted to fit your smile precisely and protect your teeth. You can sleep better without interruption and enjoy relief from your symptoms.
Schedule An Appointment Today
We can help relieve your symptoms of bruxism. Call Dental Impressions in Ankney, IA, today at (515) 965-0230 to schedule an appointment with our team.
