Many people struggle with teeth grinding, but not all of these individuals realize that a family dentist can treat this serious problem. Untreated, grinding teeth can cause more severe issues. The faster you can get help for this condition, the more effective the treatment can be. It is also helpful to learn as much as you can about this habit so you can stop and overcome it. Your family dentist can recommend a solution that makes sense for your needs.
Officially known as bruxism, this condition often occurs during the night while the person is asleep. The individual may not even realize they are doing it; a bed partner is the one who notices it. It occurs when the person clenches their teeth or rubs the upper and lower teeth together. For some people, this is an occasional occurrence. Other people do it constantly throughout each night.
There is not a single answer for every situation when trying to determine why an individual struggles with teeth grinding. It is often the result of misalignments in the jaw or crooked teeth. People with a crossbite, underbite, or overbite might be more prone to it. Family dentists also find that people who grind their teeth tend to have sleep apnea or other sleep disorders. Stress and anxiety could also be factors.
For a partner, sleeping next to a person with a teeth grinding problem can disrupt a good night’s sleep. This can be an annoying habit to put up with. But the consequences can be much more severe for the person who does it. This problem can cause teeth to wear down, become loose, or break. Over time, the teeth can even fall out and change the shape of the person’s face. These issues can take place when patients grind their teeth frequently and get no treatment.
There are ways to stop teeth grinding. Many of these take time but can eventually produce the results the person wants. Staying away from alcohol and cutting back on caffeine seem to have an effect on less grinding. People who chew on pens, fingernails, and other objects often have nighttime grinding problems. So, avoiding these habits can have positive effects on stopping to clench and grind teeth.
It can sometimes be difficult to stop this habit. Teeth grinding is treatable, however. Many family dentists will prescribe a mouthguard, which the person will wear every night to bed. This appliance prevents the person from making contact with the upper and lower teeth. For some people, managing stress levels is enough to stop the grinding.
Teeth grinding is not something to take lightly or put off treating. Without the proper intervention, you could lose teeth and have significant changes to your smile. Before you start to notice tooth damage or other related concerns, talk to your family dentist. There are ways to combat this habit and help you to stop.
Are you considering a family dentist in the Tucson area? Get more information at https://www.casasadobesdentistry.com.
A family dentist treats patients of all ages but focuses on treating and maintaining the oral health of children and teenagers. Having a family dentist means that your entire family can see the same dentist and get to know them better. Often, the dental office can schedule appointments for everyone in the family in one…
A family dentist is an excellent choice for many people. This professional is trained to diagnose and treat common dental conditions in patients of all ages so that an entire family can visit the same dentist. That makes it easy for busy households to schedule routine care and preventative treatments. Patients should always work with…
A natural mineral found in teeth, fluoride is a treatment frequently recommended by a family dentist. Fluoride helps prevent cavities, keeps teeth strong, and has been part of healthy oral hygiene for many years. This mineral has an incredible impact on the enamel of the teeth, the hard protective layer around the nerves. It also…
A family dentist plays a key role in the oral health of patients both young and old. According to the Centers for Disease Control, approximately one in five children between the ages of 5 and 11 have untreated cavities. There is more access to dental care than ever before, but many parents struggle with establishing…
Pain or discomfort in your mouth might call for an emergency dentist. Emergency dentists often treat cracked or broken teeth, knocked-out teeth, and severe mouth pain. Some swollen jaws are considered dental emergencies as well. Read on to learn what constitutes a swollen jaw emergency and how emergency dentists can help.If the swelling in your…
When a tooth needs a root canal, it is usually because of either a deep cavity, a break, a crack, or a chip that has gone through the hard protective enamel of the tooth. Under the enamel is a softer tissue called dentin and then under the dentin in the center of the tooth is…