Bruxism, known as the clenching and grinding of your teeth, is a common dental problem. If an individual does have it, they often do not realize it because it happens unconsciously, usually when you’re sleeping. Bruxism can occur when you’re awake but again, you’re probably not aware of it.
If this condition continues for an extended period, it can cause a lot of harm to your teeth and your overall smile. Fortunately, it is indeed something that can be addressed and prevented.
Here at South Trail Dental, we provide reliable and affordable bruxism treatment in Calgary. To learn more about this process and what it entails, contact us today.
What Causes Bruxism?
Several things can contribute to the development of bruxism, such as the ones noted below:
- Stress. Emotions like frustration, anger, and feeling tense are symptoms closely associated with stressful situations and can cause people to react by grinding their teeth.
- Habits. It can be a coping strategy.
- Family members with bruxism. An unconscious habit that you do while concentrating.
- An individual’s chances of developing bruxism are higher if other members of their family suffer from it.
- Taking specific medications. Bruxism can be a side effect of antidepressants.
- Health and mental disorders. Bruxism can arise due to other health disorders. Parkinson’s, sleep apnea, and epilepsy are a few examples.
If you’re unsure whether bruxism is an issue for you, it’s always better to play it safe and set up a consultation with a dentist near you.
Risks Associated with Bruxism
In most cases, bruxism doesn’t cause serious complications – but that isn’t to say that you should let it go untreated. The sooner you act, the higher the chances of fully repairing your smile.
Chronic bruxism can lead to a wide array of oral health issues that may require more complex treatment to properly address the issues. Some common signs include cracked, chipped, or loose teeth; facial/jaw soreness; earaches, headaches, or neck aches; trouble sleeping, and sensitivity, especially when you’re eating.
When it transforms into severe bruxism, detrimental complications can manifest, namely broken prosthetics (crowns, bridges, or fillings), frequent headaches, and jaw weakness and pain. The latter can turn into temporomandibular disorder (TMD). which can pose a serious problem when it comes to eating and talking.
Our dentist in Calgary can help you address the risks related to bruxism. Contact us today and take the first step toward regaining the smile of your dreams.
Treatments
First, your dentist will have you come in for a comprehensive check-up. They will examine your teeth from several angles using a small mirror and take x-rays to understand what’s happening below the surface of your gums and with your jawbone. All this information helps them make an informed decision regarding your treatment.
Acquiring a customized dental guard, specifically one you can wear at night, is a great solution to start with. It separates your upper and lower teeth and prevents them from rubbing against each other. It’ll also help you sleep better.
If your teeth have been ground down quite extensively, you might need to undergo restorative dentistry. Dental fillings, crowns, or, in more extreme cases, tooth extraction, are just three examples of methods your dentist will discuss with you.
Receiving medication – whether it’s taken orally or comes in the form of medical Botox injections – can help your muscles relax. Practicing exercises to help you stay calm and reduce the effects and severity of stress is certainly another strategy worth exploring.
Come into South Trail Dental
Are you looking for quality bruxism treatment near you? The staff at our neighborhood dental practice has got you covered! Whether you’re visiting our clinic for the first time, or you’ve worked with us before, it doesn’t matter; we are dedicated to helping everyone achieve the smile they’ve always wanted, one that doesn’t cause discomfort or pain.
We are only a phone call or an email away!