Can Bruxism Damage Your Teeth? What You Need to Know
More than
22% of people
experience teeth grinding (
bruxism
) today. Many are unaware that they do it, while others suddenly learn about the problem due to tooth damage.
At her private practice in Denver, CO, Dr. Louisa Gallegos offers compassionate care focusing on restoring your oral health. If you’re worried about the long-term damage bruxism may cause, we’re here to guide you toward better oral health by protecting your teeth and restoring your smile. Here’s what you need to know about bruxism and what it can do to your teeth.
How Bruxism Affects Your Teeth
Bruxism can result in significant damage over time. The constant pressure and friction from grinding your teeth can lead to:
- Worn Enamel : Teeth grinding wears down the protective enamel on your teeth. As the enamel breaks down, the dentin (the next layer of your teeth) is exposed. At that point, you may experience heightened sensitivity, like discomfort when eating or drinking hot, cold, or sweet foods.
- Cracked or Fractured teeth : The excessive force exerted on your teeth during grinding can lead to teeth cracks or fractures.
- Jaw Pain and Headaches : The strain caused by constant grinding can lead to tension in the jaw muscles, resulting in frequent headaches and soreness. Experts believe that bruxism and TMJ have a bidirectional relationship, as many people struggle with both.
With over 40 years as a dentist and advanced post-graduate training as a prosthodontist, Dr. Gallegos is highly skilled in recognizing and treating the damage caused by bruxism. Her extensive knowledge and training allows her to provide personalized solutions to help prevent and reverse the harmful effects of teeth grinding.
Effective Treatments for Bruxism
Several treatment options are available to help relieve the symptoms of bruxism and prevent additional damage. Dr. Gallegos may recommend:
- Custom Night Guards : One of the most effective ways to prevent the harmful effects of teeth grinding is using a custom-made night guard . This dental device provides a protective barrier between your teeth while you sleep, reducing wear and tear from unconscious grinding.
- Stress Management : Because stress is a common trigger for bruxism, incorporating relaxation methods like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga may help control it.
- Dental restorations : If your teeth are already significantly worn down, Dr. Gallegos may recommend restorative treatments like crowns or bonding to repair and strengthen your teeth. These procedures can help restore your smile while protecting your teeth from further harm.
Addressing these concerns now may prevent more extensive dental work later.
Bruxism Treatment in Denver, CO
If you’re worried about bruxism affecting your teeth or have already noticed signs of damage, don’t wait to get help. Contact our office at 303-316-4034 to book an appointment with Dr. Gallegos at our Denver office.
The post Can Bruxism Damage Your Teeth? What You Need to Know appeared first on Louisa Gallegos, DDS, MSD - Prosthodontist.
