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RiteSmile Dental

Is Teeth Grinding Harmful?


February 16th, 2022

TEETH GRINDING (BRUXISM/CLENCHING)

Teeth grinding may go unrecognized for years. It can be in the form of grinding your teeth called Bruxism or holding your teeth in contracted state for few seconds unconsciously called clenching. It takes few years before the enamel wear becomes evident.

As much as it damages Enamel and makes the teeth weaker, causing cracks and fractures of the teeth, it has harmful consequences on the TMJ( TemporoMandibular Joint) longterm. The damage on the teeth and TMJ is irreversible. The grinding pattern increases in periods of stress in our lives.

IF YOU NOTICE ANY OF THESE SIGNS

  • Occasional discomfort or soreness in the jaw or jaw joint
  • Stiffness of neck and shoulder muscles
  • Morning headaches
  • Jaw Stiffness
  • Gum Recession
  • Sensitive Teeth

Please consult your dentist or visit your Sugar land Dentist, Dr Ahuja for a consultation.

Teeth grinding is not only stress related but, it could also be a consequence of Sleep apnea or any sleep related Disordered Breathing in which case we need to address the medical condition of Sleep Apnea and have your medical doctor involved.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

In either situation, a custom made occlusal guard is still needed to prevent further damage of the teeth and TMJ( TemporoMandibular Joint)
An over the counter night guard which is not custom made and is not a very strong material may do more harm than doing any good longterm.

Also, the restorative work of Dental crowns and fills could be needed if any teeth are damaged from Teeth Grinding.
If the teeth get deeper cracks then there is a possibility you may need to get a Root Canal Treatment with the dental crown. In severe case of Fractures, there is a possibility of Extraction as well.

So, waiting too long and not addressing the problem at the right time may have serious consequences

Call us 281-565-1800 at RiteSmile Dental in Sugar Land, for your consultation to discuss more about Teeth grinding and the right treatment for it. We proudly serve people of Sugar land, Richmond, Stafford, rosenberg, Missouri City and nearby communities.[281-565-1800]

Contact RiteSmile Dental in Sugar Land today!


2225 Williams Trace Blvd Ste 105, Sugar Land, TX 77478

Mon: 8:30am - 12:00pm, 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Tue: 10:00am - 2:00pm, 3:00am - 6:00pm
Wed: 8:00am - 12:00pm, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Thu: 7:30am - 3:30pm
Fri: By Appt only
Sat: By Appt only
*We are open 1 Friday and 1 Saturday per month.
Please call to request a weekend appt.

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