Treatments for Bruxism in Scottsdale, AZ
Bruxism, also known as teeth grinding, is a condition that should not be ignored. Although the causes are unknown, it is apparent that bruxism can lead to serious complications such as misalignment and gum recession. Patients who suffer from habitual teeth grinding in Scottsdale, AZ are encouraged to contact Dr. Alison P. Schwartz for treatment.
What is bruxism?
Bruxism refers to any type of forceful contact between the teeth such as grinding or clenching. While it most often occurs during sleep, it can happen during the day as well. It can also affect both adults and children. While the causes of bruxism are unknown, doctors do know that alcohol, some medications, and certain sleep disorders can contribute. Stress and illness can also increase the severity of teeth grinding or clenching.
What are the effects of bruxism?
Mild cases of bruxism usually do not cause significant damage to the teeth or jaw. However, chronic teeth grinding can place excessive pressure on certain areas and cause problems such as tooth fractures, loose teeth, misalignment, gum recession, and even tooth loss. Without treatment, patients who constantly grind their teeth can severely wear down the chewing surfaces and require fillings, bridges, crowns, or other prosthetics to correct the issue. There is also a risk of damaging your jaw, as well. Teeth grinding can eventually cause hearing loss, facial collapse, and TMJ disorders.
How is bruxism treated?
In some cases, bruxism will correct itself over time. However, if this does not occur, there are several treatment options available. One solution is to wear an occlusal guard at night to reduce the amount of contact between teeth, which will help to minimize the effects of this condition. Another method is to try exercise, stress counseling, or prescription muscle relaxers depending on the severity of teeth grinding. Other solutions include:
- Avoiding alcohol
- Reducing caffeine intake
- Avoiding the chewing of nonedible objects
- Using a warm cloth to relax your jaw before sleep
If bruxism becomes chronic, it can be a very debilitating condition, so it is best to seek treatment at the onset. To learn more about how to treat teeth grinding in Scottsdale, AZ, contact Dr. Schwartz to schedule your consultation today!
