What kind of concern should you feel over a nightly teeth grinding habit? This problem, often referred to as bruxism, can have many worrying consequences. Teeth grinding during sleep is often associated with TMJ dysfunction. Bruxism may be a result of TMJ problems, or the cause. What this means is you could feel ongoing discomfort that affects your face, neck, and head. Your teeth grinding also poses a threat to your teeth. It may only lead to superficial wear and tear, but there are cases where restorative dental work is needed due to more severe damage.
Questions:
True Or False: TMJ dysfunction and teeth grinding are often linked.
True Or False: You may see negative changes to your appearance because of wear and tear caused by a teeth grinding habit.
True Or False: You can cause discomfort, and minor wear and tear, but teeth grinding will not lead to any serious problems with your teeth.
Answers:
True! You could develop a teeth grinding habit because of unaddressed problems with your jaw joints. However, it is also possible to develop a teeth grinding habit first, then develop additional TMJ concerns.
True! Some patients who have experienced bruxism have found themselves in need of cosmetic dental work to hide superficial wear and tear. Without treatment, this wear and tear can make your smile appear older.
False! If you grind your teeth, you are at risk for potentially serious damage. If you cause a tooth to chip or crack, you may need to have a dental crown placed on it. Untreated bruxism can also damage existing restorative or cosmetic work, and send you to see your dentist.
Modern Dentistry Of Shrewsbury Can Help You Address Your Teeth Grinding Problem
You can count on important care at Modern Dentistry of Shrewsbury if you need to address a teeth grinding problem. In addition to helping you manage your condition, our practice can take care of any problems created by bruxism. Contact us to schedule an appointment with Dr. Pizzi, Dr. Mehdi, and colleagues by calling our office at (508) 842-8838. Located in Shrewsbury, MA, we proudly welcome patients from Worcester, North and South Grafton, Westborough, Southborough, Northborough, Boylston, Hopkinton, Millbury, and all other neighboring and nearby areas.
