Helping to Stop Grinding Your Teeth
Bruxism is the name for chronic teeth grinding. Often, patients grind their teeth at night and may be unaware that they are doing it. Over time, though, the friction and pressure of teeth grinding can slowly wear away at the protective outer layer of enamel. This can leave teeth vulnerable to damage and infection. Patients who experience bruxism may increase their risks for cavities and cracked, chipped, or broken teeth.
What About TMJ?
There are two temporomandibular joints (TMJs), located on each side of your head. Also known as jaw joints, they are where your jaw connects to your cranium. TMJs allow for opening and closing the mouth and moving the jaw from side to side. TMJ disorder is often related to bruxism. Those who experience TMJ disorder may notice consistent pain in their jaws and faces or hear popping/clicking sounds when they open their mouths.
What is the Treatment?
When you visit us for a dental exam, we will look at your teeth for any signs of grinding. If you are diagnosed with bruxism, we may recommend a custom-designed mouthguard that you would wear at night. The mouthguard helps protect your teeth from grinding against each other. If there is another underlying issue, such as crooked teeth that are affecting your bite, then you may need orthodontic intervention or another dental service to help stop bruxism. Finally, if your teeth are damaged due to bruxism, we may recommend a cosmetic or restorative dentistry treatment to repair them.
Schedule a Consultation About Bruxism and TMJ Disorder with Us
Our bruxism and TMJ disorder treatments are designed to help protect your teeth from chronic grinding. To schedule a consultation, call Columbia Dental & Orthodontics in East Dallas, TX today at (214) 827-8000. We proudly serve patients from around the DFW area, including Garland, Mesquite, Oak Cliff, and all surrounding communities.