Your oral health encompasses more than just preventing cavities and keeping your gums healthy. Other conditions, like teeth grinding, sleep disorders, and TMJ dysfunction, can affect the wellbeing of your smile. If you chronically grind your teeth, it can be hard to stop on your own and may risk damaging your teeth. The team at Dental Impressions in Ankeny, IA, can help treat and diagnose bruxism so you can keep your pearly whites safe.
Read more: Protect Your Smile From BruxismUnderstand The Causes Of Bruxism
When you experience bruxism, you may gnash your teeth together or clench your jaw. This is not done on purpose and can be difficult to stop on your own, as you may be unaware that you are doing it. Factors such as high stress, genetics, and a family history of this condition may increase your chances of developing it. Patients who have TMJ dysfunction or obstructive sleep apnea may have increased chances of teeth grinding, so it’s important to be aware of the symptoms of these disorders and stop them as soon as possible. If you frequently snore loudly, experience headaches, or have pain when chewing, make sure to alert your dentist about them at your next checkup. Your dentist may be able to help diagnose the disorder through X-rays and a thorough examination.
How It Can Disrupt Your Day
In most cases, you will grind your teeth when you are unaware. This means that bruxism occurs most often while you are asleep, which can interrupt your sleep cycle without you being aware. You may wake up feeling tired, even if you have had a full nights rest. Additionally, it can lead to headaches and tooth sensitivity that causes discomfort when chewing. Your teeth can also become worn down due to them grinding together often. To restore your pearly whites after this type of damage, you may need dental fillings done or dental crowns placed over them for further protection. If your bruxism is a side effect of sleep apnea or TMJ dysfunction, you may experience other side effects like snoring, pain around your jaw, or a popping noise when you open your mouth.
An Oral Appliance May Be Able To Help
You may try to put off treatment for the disorder and try to manage the discomfort with over-the-counter products. However, over time, this can lead to the condition worsening and causing further damage to your oral health and overall wellbeing. Your dentist can create a custom oral appliance for you that can protect your pearly whites from gnashing against each other and bring relief to your symptoms.
Don’t Ignore The Habit Of Tooth Grinding!
This condition can wear down your tooth and harm your oral health. Call Dental Impressions in Ankeny, IA, today at (515) 965-0230 to get started on treatment.
