The clenching of the jaw and grinding of the teeth are actually parts of a condition known as bruxism. Bruxism can occur during night or day, but most of bruxism-caused damaged occurs when you are sleeping at night. Bruxism sufferers experience the lower and upper teeth grinding against each other. This puts unnecessary strain on the medial pterygoid muscles and the temporomandibular joints (TMJ), which can lead to earaches, headaches, anxiety, and depression.

Bruxism is one of several potential causes of tooth damage, and it often goes unrecognized unless you visit the dentist. Only a dentist such as Dr. Imrek or other dental professional can accurately determine the difference between bruxism damage and wear caused by aggressive brushing, acidic soft drinks, or abrasive foods. During your consultation at First Dental in Sugar Land, Dr. Imrek will carefully evaluate the severity of your condition. After his observations, he will create a custom bruxism treatment plan based on your unique needs.

Do you grind your teeth? Call Sugar Land Office Phone Number (281) 494-3368 today to make an appointment

Bruxism is often linked to the following issues:

• Gum recession and tooth loss –Because bruxism directly damages the soft tissue, leads to loose teeth, and causes deep gum pockets where bacteria can accumulate, it is a known facilitator of both gum recession and tooth loss. These bacteria will eventually destroy the supporting bone.
• Arthritis – In some severe cases, bruxism can actually lead to arthritis in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), or the joint that connects the lower jaw and the skull.
• Myofascial pain – One of the effects of bruxism is shorter, blunter teeth. This can lead to debilitating headaches and myofascial muscle pain.
• Occlusal trauma –Bruxism creates abnormal wear patterns on the chewing surfaces of the teeth. This can lead to cracks, fractures, and breakage in the teeth. When this happen, additional treatments, such as dental crowns, are usually required for full restoration.

Same Day Mouth Guard Treatment

There are a variety of treatments available to those who suffer from grinding and clenching. At First Dental, we are happy to provide appropriate same day mouth guard treatment based on your unique condition and individual needs. Some treatments we may recommend include:

• A mouth guard
• Stress management
• Relaxation exercises
• Biofeedback mechanisms

After we have your bruxism under control, we can provide other dental treatments, such as CEREC crowns and porcelain veneers to restore the beauty and health of your smile. If you are interested in learning more about bruxism, grinding, or clenching, please call or visit First Dental in Sugar Land today to schedule your appointment with Dr. Imrek. We look forward to helping you achieve a smile that is healthy and functions well.