Navigating the World of Bruxism: Also Known as Teeth Grinding
If you or a family member are suffering from bruxism – also known as teeth grinding – you may be looking for an overview of the condition as well as answers to questions about its symptoms, causes, risk factors, complications, diagnosis, and more! The dental care team at Lynn Alan Palmer, DDS believes that every patient deserves answers to their questions. That’s why we offer the following answers to the most commonly asked questions we hear in our Houston, TX dentist office.
Can tooth grinding be diagnosed during a dental evaluation in Houston? Yes! A dental exam is the primary way dental professionals use in determining the cause and treatment plan of bruxism.
What dental approaches will be used to diagnose the condition? Your dentist will look for and monitor changes in your teeth, mouth, and the insides of your cheeks over a period of a few weeks or months to determine the extent of your bruxism. Some of the things your dental team will be looking for include tenderness in your jaw muscles and other abnormalities such as loosening teeth.
How is bruxism typically treated? In the instance of pediatric bruxism, most children will outgrow the habit without having to employ other approaches or medications to stop the disorder. But if the condition worsens, or is affecting an adult, treating associated disorders may be recommended. These options include stress management, behavioral changes, biofeedback, or the wearing of a dental mouthguard.
Is a dental mouthguard the same as what I can buy at the store? No, a professional dental mouthguard is designed to fit the unique shape of each patient’s mouth for a secure, custom fit. If you’re looking for a custom mouth guard near me, contact our office today to get started.
Are there any lifestyle or home remedies that I can try before making an appointment? There are, and we’ll mention a few in a moment. But it’s important to keep in mind that the longer patients wait to treat teeth grinding in Houston, the greater the risk for increased dental damage. For that reason, it’s recommended that you seek bruxism treatment in Houston sooner rather than later. If you want to try a few things while you’re waiting for your dental exam, we suggest that you try to avoid stress, eliminate the use of coffee and tea late in the evening, and investigate whether or not you may be suffering from sleep apnea – another condition that can be treated with the use of a professional mouth guard in Houston.