Bruxism is a common condition where one of the most recognized symptoms is grinding or clenching teeth. If you clench or grind your teeth, our periodontist at AZ Dental can help diagnose your condition and let you know if you could benefit from bruxism treatments in San Jose, California. Bruxism can cause painful side effects, and it can wear down your teeth, which can make it easier for bacteria to get into your gums and cause periodontal disease. We welcome you to schedule your appointment with Dr. Bui and learn if you suffer from bruxism by calling us today at 408-295-1100.
At some point in most people’s lifetime, they will experience some degree of bruxism, or clenching or grinding their teeth. This condition is often brought on by stress, and it can happen either consciously or subconsciously, day or night. In most cases, patients end up clenching or grinding their teeth at night and are completely unaware of it. What they are aware of, however, are the painful side effects, such as headaches, earaches, anxiety, or depression. Bruxism can also lead to tooth decay or tooth sensitivity as the protective enamel is worn down.
If your bruxism is to the point of causing tooth decay, you can be susceptible to gum disease. When tooth decay is left untreated, it is easy for bacteria and plaque to get inside your tooth and cause an infection, or to build up around the outside of your teeth and get beneath the gum line. When our periodontist diagnoses patients with bruxism, she may also recommend one or more treatments to protect your teeth from further damage. Some of these treatments include:
- Mouth guard/night guard: these are some of the most common treatments for bruxism. Whether you grind or clench your teeth at night or during the day, a mouth guard or a night guard adds a protective layer between your two arches. Each guard is custom-made to fit your specific smile.
- NTI-tss device: a small oral appliance customized to fit over just the front two teeth. This prevents your lower and upper teeth from touching, thus preventing you from grinding or clenching your teeth.
- Botox®: often used as a relaxant, Botox® can relax your jaw muscles so they won’t clench. While this treatment may be beneficial, it does not last very long.
If you clench or grind your teeth, we welcome you to call or visit our practice about its causes, symptoms, and treatments. We are here to help keep your smile healthy and you happy.
