Dangers of Untreated Bruxism

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Grinding your teeth might not seem like a big deal, especially if you’re not feeling much discomfort. But when teeth grinding—also called bruxism—goes untreated, the damage can build quietly over time. Many people aren’t even aware they’re doing it until they start noticing real problems.

Wear and Tear on Teeth

The pressure from nightly grinding puts a lot of stress on your teeth. Over time, this can wear down the enamel, causing increased sensitivity. Teeth may chip, crack, or even loosen, and in some cases, this damage can lead to permanent tooth loss in Stuart, FL.

Strain on the Jaw

Bruxism also affects the jaw joints. Clenching and grinding can lead to pain in the jaw area and stiffness when chewing or speaking. Over time, this stress may contribute to TMJ disorders, which often come with clicking, popping, or difficulty opening the mouth fully.

Headaches and Fatigue

People with untreated bruxism frequently wake up with tension headaches or sore facial muscles. This tension can carry into the shoulders and neck, making it hard to feel rested—even after a full night’s sleep.

Risk to Restorative Work

If you’ve had dental work done—like crowns or fillings—bruxism can wear those down or dislodge them. This can result in repeated trips to the dentist for repairs, which adds cost and frustration.

Note that bruxism is different than clenching teeth together occasionally when a person gets angry or upset over something. Bruxism is an entirely different animal, with inherent dangers to the health of your teeth.

What You Can Do

The good news is, bruxism can be managed. Your dentist can recommend a custom nightguard to protect your teeth while you sleep. Addressing stress, improving sleep habits, and checking for bite issues can also help stop grinding before it leads to serious complications. Talk to your dentist in Stuart, FL today.

What Kinds of Problems Can Bruxism Cause?

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Have you been told that you grind your teeth while you sleep? Or do you wake up with a sore jaw? Bruxism or teeth grinding can hurt your muscles and cause other issues without treatment. At Stuart Dentist, our dentists in Stuart, FL, provide ways to manage this behavior and reduce the risk of the following problems.

Damage to Tooth Enamel

Clenching your teeth can cause the protective enamel layer on them to erode. Without this layer, your teeth are more at risk of developing decay and other issues.

Cracked Teeth

Teeth grinding can lead to cracks in your teeth that allow bacteria to get in and cause infections. These cracks can also cause further damage to your teeth.

Loose Teeth

Bruxism may cause teeth to become loose due to the pressure you place on them while clenching them.

Sleep Disorders

Grinding your teeth while you’re sleeping can increase your risk of having a sleep disorder, making it harder for you to get enough rest night after night.

Facial Pain

Bruxism puts a lot of strain on your jaw muscles as you grind your teeth. You might wake up with soreness in your face in these areas.

TMJ Disorder

Teeth grinding can be a contributing factor to disorders involving your jaw joints. These motions can lead to problems with one or both of these joints, triggering headaches, sore jaws, and other symptoms.

Schedule a Visit Today to Manage Bruxism!

Do you have jaw pain or other problems from grinding your teeth? Our dentists have solutions that can help! At Stuart Dentist, we offer bruxism treatment in Stuart, FL, to help reduce grinding and protect your teeth from damage!

How Can I Tell If I Have Bruxism?

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Bruxism is a condition that can cause serious damage to your teeth. If you have bruxism and don’t take steps to protect your teeth, you could end up with teeth that are loose and cracked. Your dentist in Stuart, FL can help you identify when you have bruxism, and can help you decide what to do about it. If you have bruxism, here’s some important information you need to know.

What Is Bruxism?

Bruxism is a condition that occurs when a patient grinds their teeth at night. This puts pressure on the tooth enamel and can lead to damage over time. If you have bruxism, you may not know it. The signs of bruxism are subtle, and since tooth grinding happens while you’re sleeping, you may not know that you’re at risk for this type of tooth damage.

What Are the Signs of Bruxism?

The signs of bruxism are subtle. If you have bruxism, you may notice the following symptoms:

  • You get headaches in the early part of the morning.
  • Your teeth are cracked, damaged, and loose.
  • Your teeth have become flattened with time.
  • Your jaw muscles hurt in the morning.
  • Your teeth are sensitive.

Your partner may notice that you grind your teeth, but if you sleep alone, you may miss these warning signs. The best way to find out if you have bruxism is to go to the dentist for a dental cleaning in Stuart, FL. The dentist will be able to identify the signs of bruxism and let you know that you need a mouthguard.

A mouthguard is a tool that your dentist can prescribe to fit around your teeth and prevent them from grinding. Have questions? Call Stuart Dentist today.

Teeth Grinding and How You Can Prevent It

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Teeth grinding, or Bruxism, is extremely common and can affect adults and children. While it may seem like a nuisance, it can create serious health issues if left untreated.

The team at Stuart Dentist of Stuart, FL, is proud to serve the local community with quality dental care services, including being there for you to help improve the quality of life that comes with managing your teeth-grinding habits.

What is Bruxism?

While it is often known as teeth grinding, Bruxism doesn’t necessarily only concern itself with the grinding of your teeth. It also involves gnashing, clenching, and other movements that can cause wear and tear to your dental layers.

Bruxism is most common at night but can go unnoticeable during daylight hours – especially in periods of high stress.

How can I prevent Bruxism?

Bruxism should be taken seriously, but the damage can be mitigated if caught early on. In addition to seeking professional guidance, here are some ways you can reduce your risk of chronic Bruxism:

Stress Management Techniques

Teeth grinding is a method of relieving stress, although it is not a good habit. Managing stress throughout the day is a great way to reduce your risk of Bruxism in the long term. Some great examples are deep breathing, meditation, and spending quality time with loved ones.

Utilize a Mouthguard or Splint

Mouthguards provide a protective barrier between your teeth that not only lessens the effects of Bruxism but also discourages you from grinding your teeth due to the uncomfortable feeling of moving your mouthguard around your gums.

Avoid Stimulants and Relax Jaw Muscles

Excess caffeine and nicotine can cause Bruxism, common in people who smoke regularly and drink coffee daily. Massing your jaw muscles or applying a warm or hot compress can alleviate some pressure.

Your Local Quality Dental Care Professional

Bruxism doesn’t need to cause you stress and anxiety any longer. During your next appointment with the exceptional team at Stuart Dentist of Stuart, FL, you can be sure you receive the proper care and guidance you and your family deserve.