Do you find yourself grinding your teeth in stressful situations?
Dr. Jim Lassiter is a dentist in Milton, Florida that provides dental treatment for teeth grinding. Many patients are unaware that they clench or grind their teeth. Some patients only grind their teeth at night while asleep, for others, they are unaware that their stress causes jaw clenching. Teeth grinding can not only damage the structure of your teeth. This dental concern is also linked to increased respiratory issues and complex bite disorders such as temporomandibular joint disorder.
Bruxism: Signs and Symptoms
There are multiple symptoms of bruxism to look out for:
- Chronic headaches
- Facial pain
- Muscle tenderness
- Worn teeth
- Jaw pain
- Teeth clenching
- Tooth sensitivity
Have you noticed any of these symptoms of bruxism? Call 850.427.5891 for treatment today.
There are many short and long-term consequences of chronic bruxism. Patients may have irritated nerves and facial pain short-term. The tooth enamel weakens over time and can become damaged or worn down with the increased tension that bruxism provides. Clenching or grinding teeth increases pressure on teeth. The pressure of chronic bruxism is 40 times stronger than the pressure exerted from normal chewing. During sleep, the pressure of teeth grinding is not alleviated, so those who have problems with night bruxism may have weakened gums and teeth while being unaware of the problem.
Treating Bruxism
The most moderate cases of bruxism can be treated through behavior modification such as tongue exercises and learning how to properly align the tongue, teeth, and lips. Dr. Lassiter offers treatment with oral appliances for patients with mild to moderate bruxism. Oral appliances act like mouth guards and prevent teeth from clenching or grinding together. They also take the pressure off of the jaw and allow teeth to properly align. After receiving treatment with oral appliances, some patients may need restorative treatment if teeth have been worn down or damaged due to bruxism. Patients can receive dental crowns to protect teeth from further wear and tear.
Schedule a Consultation
Call our Jay, Florida office for treatment in a friendly office environment at 850.427.5891. Request an appointment with Dr. Lassiter on our website.