What are the effects of bruxism?
Created on September 30, 2020
While clenching and grinding of the teeth can seem like just an inconvenience for patients, there is more to the condition than patients realize. Springfield, MA patients who have been diagnosed with bruxism may also deal with expensive dental issues. This includes fixing broken restorations and increased sensitivity of the teeth due to wearing of the natural tooth enamel. These issues can be resolved when patients get a proper diagnosis of their condition and work with their dental team to address the underlying problem.
What is bruxism?
Bruxism is the medical term for clenching and grinding of the teeth. Bruxism can develop due to a variety of issues, though many patients who have it often deal with higher levels of stress. Others may clench and grind during their sleep with no known cause. Regardless of what causes the condition, it can be damaging to the smile and result in irreparable dental problems. With the help of the dental team at Taylor Street Dental, patients can work with a professional and ask about protecting their smile with a professional mouthguard.
Why choose an oral appliance for bruxism?
While managing stress levels and addressing underlying medical issues that contribute to bruxism is the best first step in treating bruxism, other patients will find that the use of an oral appliance worn at night can help. A specialized mouthguard that is made at the dental office can be worn at night to reduce the tension in the jaw caused by bruxism. At the same time, this mouthguard can protect the natural teeth and dental restorations, keeping bruxism from causing extensive damage. Additionally, patients who have bruxism may want to be evaluated by their dentist for temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMD, a condition that can also contribute to a variety of dental issues and is commonly associated with bruxism.
Speak to your dentist about bruxism and other conditions that impact your oral health
Drs. Peck, Velastegui, and Homsi of Taylor Street Dental are here to offer assistance for patients dealing with a wide range of dental concerns. If you are experiencing the consequences of bruxism, we encourage you to book a consultation appointment with our team to discuss treatment options. Call (413) 781-7645 and get started learning more about ways to protect your smile.
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