General Dentistry

Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)

Contact us

Bruxism Treatment in Arlington

Bruxism, which is the medical term for grinding your teeth, might seem like an issue that is rather harmless. However, you may be surprised to learn that grinding teeth can seriously jeopardize your oral health. There are a variety of reasons why you might be grinding your teeth. Regardless of whether stress is the root cause or missing teeth are affecting your bite, thereby causing you bruxism, Pecan Park Dental can help to alleviate tooth grinding and give you a more confident smile.

What are the dangers of grinding teeth?

Grinding teeth, especially on a long-term basis, can result in a myriad of dental problems that will require further treatment to remedy. Bruxism can lead to fractured teeth, tooth loss, and loosened teeth. If the tooth grinding is severe, then it may even wear the teeth down so much that the tooth becomes nothing more than a stump or exposed roots. Grinding teeth can also produce hearing loss, changes in the structure of your jaw and face, and might cause TMJ. In addition to all of these dangers, grinding your teeth typically results in pain and tenderness in your mouth and face.

How can a dentist help stop teeth grinding?

If you know that you are grinding your teeth, either at night or throughout the day, then you should see your dentist as soon as possible. Your dentist will be able to fix the dental issues that are causing bruxism, such as bite issues or crooked teeth, and can set forth a treatment plan that can result in the cessation of teeth grinding. Your dentist may also recommend that you wear a special night guard while you sleep, in order to prevent any further damage to your teeth and gums. Often you can reduce how often you grind your teeth or completely stop in a relatively short amount of time. Muscle relaxants might also be prescribed for some patients.

How to prevent teeth grinding at home

Once you have seen your dentist and remedied any dental problems that you may have had, there are a number of things that you can do on your own to prevent further teeth grinding incidents. For example, given that stress can contribute to bruxism, it’s wise to participate in stress-reducing activities, such as exercise or relaxation techniques like yoga. Also, you will want to avoid chewing gum and will want to reduce your intake of sodas and sugary foods. If you should find that you are clenching your jaw and teeth, then you may want to try consciously relaxing or applying a lukewarm washcloth to your jaw to relax the muscles.

Family smiling after seeing our dentist in Arlington, TX.

Unlock Your Perfect Smile At Our Arlington Dental Office

If you’re looking for a skilled yet gentle dentist in Arlington, our caring team is here to help you achieve and maintain healthy teeth for life!