Dangers of Dental Grinding

There are many different dental problems that a person may face. Some are relatively common, such as cavities (dental caries) and tooth discoloration. Others are more complex, however, and may involve important structures of the mouth. This is especially true with the jaw and the jaw joints. A Memphis cosmetic dentist can help you if you are facing serious dental health problems.

What is tooth grinding?

Also referred to as bruxism, tooth grinding is the clenching, gnashing, and shifting of the teeth that occurs when a person is asleep. Many people do this unconsciously and it may go undetected for a long some. Some telltale signs of tooth grinding to look out for are jaw pain or strain in the morning, ear aches, headaches, tooth pain, and gum pain. If you experience any of those symptoms regularly, be sure to speak with our cosmetic dentists in Germantown.

Causes of Tooth Grinding

One of the most common causes of tooth grinding is stress. If you are nervous or overworked, you may wind up clenching your teeth at night without even realizing it. Another major cause, though less known to the public at large, is tooth misalignment. If the upper teeth and lower teeth don’t fit together well, you may unconsciously shift your teeth at night, leading to that pain and strain in the jaw. When you visit our Germantown cosmetic dentistry practice, we’ll be sure to identify the root cause of the grinding as that will determine the best course of action for treatment.

Dental Problems Linked to Tooth Grinding

Beyond basic pain and discomfort, the most common dental problem linked to tooth grinding is a TMJ disorder. The TMJ is the joint in the jaw, and one of the most complicated joints in the body. When overworked, it can lead to lockjaw, clicking of the jaw, and even dislocation.

Other than jaw issues, patients often experience chipping or cracking of the teeth because of the constant clenching and grinding at night. This damage may be minor, but left untreated, the damage can become much more severe.

Treating Dental Damage from Tooth Grinding

To deal with the tooth damage patients may experience from tooth grinding, a smile makeover is often the best option to consider. This will combine multiple cosmetic and restorative treatments to help enhance the beauty and health of the smile. If the grinding has led to tooth loss or the need for tooth extraction, for instance, Memphis dental implants may be used to help replace the tooth.

Treating the Tooth Grinding Itself

If the tooth grinding is caused by tooth misalignment, it’s important for a patient to undergo an orthodontic treatment in order to realign the teeth. This means that Invisalign® invisible braces or perhaps traditional braces may be used. Sometimes patients will be given special mouth guards to reduce or even eliminate the pressure exerted as they clench at night. In cases where stress has caused the grinding, relaxation techniques may prove most helpful.

Contact Our Practice for More Information on Teeth Grinding Treatments

If you would like more information about tooth grinding and how it can be most effectively treated, we encourage you to contact our Memphis area cosmetic dentistry center today.