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Posted on 11/20/2019 by Manhattan Maxillofacial Surgery Group |
Many millions of Americans suffer from a condition known as bruxism. Bruxism is the act of clenching or grinding your teeth. There are awake bruxism and sleep bruxism, which is exactly as the names imply. Bruxism is thought to be caused by many factors such as misaligned teeth or drug and alcohol use. Although the most common suspect is stress and anxiety. Some or all of these factors can be causing you to clench your teeth, which can cause some dental issues. Common EffectsChips or cracks in the teeth enamel can be a result of grinding your teeth. Also, if you notice your teeth wearing down at a faster rate, this can be a sure sign of clenching. Other symptoms are a pain in the jaw, headaches, loose teeth, or even damaged fillings and crowns. Bruxism can be controlled if caught early, but if allowed to happen it can result in costly dental repairs.Treatment OptionsA routine checkup can allow the dentist to spot the early warning signs of clenching. If it is a misalignment issue the dentist may recommend braces to help realign the teeth properly. If the damage is very bad the dentist may advise getting fillings, bridges, or crowns to repair some of the badly damaged teeth. By far the easiest and most cost-efficient method is that of a mouthguard.A mouth guard will not stop the action of clenching or grinding your teeth, but it will help to protect them from rubbing against one another thereby reducing the amount of damage done. Although the root cause of bruxism is usually stress, a mouth guard will go a long way in protecting your teeth. If you think you may be damaging your teeth due to bruxism and you think a mouth guard might be a good option call us to schedule your consultation today. Our dental experts will look for the telltale signs of clenching. Afterward, we can recommend treatment options and determine if a mouth guard is the best fit for you. Don't hesitate, your mouth is important, call us today! |
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