04 Mar Treating Bruxism in Prescott
Most people grind or clench their teeth from time to time. But when teeth grinding occurs on a regular basis, the teeth can be damaged and other oral health complications can arise. That grinding or clenching of teeth is called bruxism. If you’re looking for a dentist that treats bruxism in Prescott, look no further than Hicks Dental Group.
What Exactly is Bruxism?
Bruxism is a condition in which you grind, gnash, or clench your teeth. It is usually unconscious and can happen either when you’re awake or asleep.
Mild cases of bruxism don’t usually need to be treated. But in some cases, chronic teeth grinding can result in a fracturing, loosening, or loss of teeth. And eventually, chronic grinding could wear teeth down to stumps.
Symptoms of Bruxism
- Facial pain
- Headaches
- Earaches
- Pain and stiffness in the jaw joint (temporomandibular joint) and surrounding muscles, which can lead to Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD)
- Disrupted sleep (for you or your partner)
- Worn-down teeth, which can lead to increased sensitivity and even tooth loss
- Broken teeth or fillings
What Causes It?
The cause isn’t always clear, but it is often linked to stress or anxiety. Sleep bruxism is considered a sleep-related movement disorder. People who grind their teeth while they sleep are more likely to have other sleep disorders, such as snoring or sleep apnea.
Treatment of Bruxism
Your dentist can fit you with a mouth guard to protect your teeth from grinding during sleep. In the case of chronic bruxism, where fracture, loosening, or loss of teeth has occurred, bridges, crowns, root canals, implants, partial dentures, and even complete dentures may be needed.
If stress is causing you to grind your teeth, ask your doctor or dentist about options to reduce your stress. Attending stress counseling, starting an exercise program, seeing a physical therapist, or obtaining a prescription for muscle relaxants are among some of the options that may be offered. Here is a list of more ideas to reduce your stress. Do not take any medications or supplements without first consulting your doctor.
If you suspect you may be grinding your teeth, talk to your dentist here at Hicks Dental Group. We can examine your mouth and jaw for signs of bruxism, like jaw tenderness and abnormalities in your teeth. If you’re not a patient of ours, but you’re searching for a dentist that treats bruxism in Prescott, give us a call to set up an appointment today. We’ll be glad to help provide the solution and save your teeth from the wear and tear caused by bruxism. And feel free to contact our office for any other dental needs, whether restorative or cosmetic. We’re a family-friendly, full service dental office ready to meet you!
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