A few years ago, I started thinking carefully about what I could do to improve my smile. I had lived with crooked, yellowed teeth for most of my adult life, and honestly, I just wanted to feel beautiful. I started thinking about working with a cosmetic dentist, and before I knew it, I was in an office getting a complimentary consultation. I learned about a variety of different procedures that could improve my look, and it was really fun. I wanted to create a blog all about making smiles more beautiful, which is why I made this website. Check out this blog for great information about dentistry.
Bruxism, or nighttime grinding of your teeth, is a habit that can leave you with a sore jaw and a poor night's sleep. Just the sound of your grinding can also ruin your partner's ability to get a good night's rest. The worst effect of this practice is the harm it can do to your teeth. In order to protect your teeth, you need to recognize and treat the symptoms of bruxism.
Symptoms
In addition to the sounds you make and muscle strain you may feel if you have bruxism, you can recognize the condition through the presence of certain other symptoms. The appearance of your teeth is an excellent indicator. If they are chipped, loose, or even fractured, you may be grinding them at night. Also, your tooth enamel could be so worn that the deeper levels of your teeth are exposed. You may also have headaches that are centered around your temples, and you could find impressions on your tongue. In the worst cases, you may not be able to fully open or close your jaw.
Treatments
If you suspect that you have bruxism, you need to seek help from your dental professional. Delaying may lead to extensive and expensive dental repairs. Your dentist will be able to offer a variety of treatments for this condition. Many of these steps are dependent on modifying your behavior. Stress and anxiety are often the triggers for teeth clenching and grinding, so lessening your stress through more physical activity, meditation, and conscious jaw relaxation may help. Cutting down on caffeine may also reduce the frequency of this problem. More rest and less alcohol are also known to help bruxism sufferers.
Mouth Guards
Although you can purchase an OTC mouth guard, it will not fit as well as a customized guard created by your dentist. Ideally, you would stop grinding your teeth. If you are unable to do so, a mouth guard will at least keep you from doing more damage . A custom guard will be more comfortable, so you will be more likely to wear it.
If you grind or clench your teeth, there are steps you can take to help minimize this habit. Ask your dentist what they recommend for your specific case. If they think a mouth guard will help, invest in a customized model that will protect your teeth from cracking and other forms of wear. Talk with a dentist like Louisville Family Dental for more information.
Share26 July 2016
