Teeth Grinding Solutions by Dr. Russell Young
Most people don’t know that they occasionally grind their teeth at night until a dentist points it out during an exam. Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, will wear down your enamel and damage resotrations. For bruxism patients, it is important to not only restore the integrity of affected teeth, but also have a dentist solve the problem of night-time grinding. Dr. Russell Young of SF Star Dental in San Francisco is experienced in treating bruxism and resolving the damage created by teeth grinding.
Teeth Grinding Causes
Teeth grinding is most commonly caused by an abnormal bite or by missing or misaligned teeth. It can also be caused by anxiety, stress or sleep apnea, a common sleep disorder. Symptoms may include a dull, continuous headache, a sore jaw, sensitive teeth, and gum recession.
Damage created by teeth grinding
Over the long term, teeth grinding can cause permanent damage to your teeth. In fact, it is a leading contributor to abnormal wear and tear to both teeth and restorations. Teeth grinding can also cause:
- Fractures
- Loose Teeth
- Jaw Pain
- Headaches
- Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD)
- Pain in the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)
Damage created by bruxism can cause Abfraction lesions which are small notches brought on by stress (force) on your teeth. Biting, chewing, clenching and grinding puts pressure on your teeth and over time, this pressure can cause cracks and splits to the outer layer of your teeth - the thinnest part of your enamel, near the gum line. Gum recession may also occur as a result of bruxism.
Teeth Grinding Solutions in San Francisco
Fortunately, if you suffer from bruxism and its negative effects, Dr. Young provides dental solutions. At SF Star Dental, patients can get their teeth-grinding problem under control to alleviate painful symptoms and preserve the health and beauty of teeth.
Dr. Young will exam your mouth to diagnose bruxism and rule out any other problems. During this exam, we’ll take x-rays and intraoral photos to get a clear picture of your mouth to diagnose problems and develop a treatment plan. If your teeth are damaged, we’ll work with you to make a plan for any needed repair and restoration. To stop further damage from occurring, we’ll create a custom night guard for you to wear during sleep.
Let Us Help
Frequent teeth grinding is a problem that should be taken seriously. If you suspect you may have bruxism or have been told that you grind your teeth at night, don’t hesitate to contact SF Star Dental today. Dr. Russell Young and team are prepared to help restore your oral health and prevent future damage from occurring.