Dr. Chris Reger is a leader in advanced dental care for patients in the greater San Antonio area. Offering state-of-the-art restorative dentistry to improve dental health as well as the latest cosmetic dentistry procedures, patients can count on Dr. Reger and the team at the practice to improve dental health and wellness, no matter what issue they are facing. This approach to total wellness is important for cases of teeth grinding, which we'd like to consider in more detail right now.
About Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Teeth grinding refers to the gnashing, clenching, and shifting of the teeth while a person is asleep. This can lead to a number of serious dental health problems if left untreated, including tooth damage, gum recession, headaches, and issues with the jaw joint. Teeth grinding is one of the common causes of TMJ disorders, for instance, which is the locking, popping, clicking, and pain in the jaw.
Common Causes of Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
The most common causes of teeth grinding are as follows:
- Excessive stress or anxiety - If you are experiencing a stressful time, it's not uncommon for you to grind your teeth during sleep.
- Poor dental alignment - When your teeth are misaligned, it can cause issues with a comfortable resting position for your teeth while asleep. Shifting of the jaw is common in these cases.
It is not uncommon for a combination of the above to be present in those who suffer from teeth grinding.
Below are some of the most common treatment options for this condition. Keep in mind that a combination of different treatments may be used in order to address your case of teeth grinding.
Treating Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) with a Night Guard
A night guard is a kind of mouthpiece that is worn when a patient is asleep. With the mouth guard in place, full contact between the upper dental arch and lower dental arch does not occur. This relieves the amount of stress on the jaw joint and limits the potential damage that can be done to the teeth during a case of grinding.
Treating Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) with Orthodontic Treatment
When poor dental alignment is the cause of teeth grinding, it may be most ideal for a patient to undergo orthodontic care. This will help reposition the teeth so that a comfortable and optimal resting position is achieved during sleep.
Treating Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) Through Stress Management
Since stress can be a major cause of teeth grinding, it's a good idea for patients to consider stress management procedures to address teeth grinding. This might include regular exercise for stress relief or might also involve breathing exercises and other kinds of techniques for managing stress and anxiety.
Treating TMJ Disorders Caused by Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
If a TMJ disorder is caused by teeth grinding, multiple treatments above may be considered. Depending on the nature of the condition, more advanced therapies may be required to reduce pain and improve jaw mobility. These matters can be discussed in greater detail during the consultation phase of treatment.
Learn About Your Treatment Options for Teeth Grinding
To learn more about teeth grinding treatments and how we can help you have a healthier and more beautiful mouth, be sure to contact our advanced dental care center today. The team at Incredible Smiles of Texas looks forward to your visit and helping you achieve a healthier and more beautiful smile.
