The dentist industry’s worth $137.6 billion and for good reason. 7 billion people on the planet mean 7 billion tooth-filled mouths.
The team at University Dental Arts has provided patients in the greater Denver area with the latest in advanced restorative dentistry, with a focus on improving dental health and total wellness. This approach is especially important when addressing teeth grinding (bruxism), a problem that many people experience. Let’s take a moment right now to consider the causes of tooth grinding and how it can be properly treated.
When it comes to tooth grinding, there are two common causes:
It’s not uncommon for these two causes of tooth grinding to be simultaneously present. In fact, if you have poor dental alignment, stress can make and already existing case of tooth grinding far worse.
In order to address tooth grinding effectively, it’s important to address the root cause of the problem and take multiple approaches to minimize damage and remedy the condition.
The use of a bite guard is very common when treating tooth grinding. A bite guard is a protective mouthpiece that is worn in order to prevent direct contact between the teeth of the upper dental arch and the teeth of the lower dental arch. By preventing contact, the stress on the teeth and jaw joint is reduced. This means less pain of the teeth and gums, and a much lower chance of tooth damage occurring.
While wearing a bite guard, patients may be advised to look into stress management options. This can be anything from meditation and breathing exercises, the use of anti-anxiety medications, or even involve getting more exercise to help with stress. All of these options can be discussed in greater detail during your visit.
If crooked teeth and poor dental alignment are the cause of the tooth grinding, orthodontic care is a great option to consider. By improving the alignment of the teeth, patients will be less likely to suffer from tooth grinding and will also prevent potential dental health issues down the road.
A TMJ disorder refers to issues with the proper function of the jaw joint (aka the temporomandibular joint). Teeth grinding is one of the causes of TMJ disorders given the stress that is placed on the jaw joint from the gnashing and clenching of the teeth. This is another risk that’s run if a case of tooth grinding isn’t treated as soon as possible.
Treating TMJ disorders generally involves similar steps as treating tooth grinding since these are minimally invasive yet highly effective treatments to consider. If the TMJ disorder is severe or more advanced, other treatment options can be discussed in greater detail with your dentist.
To learn more about treating tooth grinding and how to enhance your overall dental health, be sure to contact our cosmetic and restorative dentistry center today. At University Dental Arts, we will help you get the dental treatment that you need to smile with confidence.
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