Do your teeth appear worn or flat on the surface? Have you broken a tooth or noticed that your teeth are chipped or cracked?
The cause may be teeth grinding- a common dental problem that many patients do not realize they have until dental problems surface or Dr. Sheen notices the tell tale signs during a visit to his Annapolis dentist office.
Although there are several causes of teeth grinding, one of the most common is a bite disorder such as TMJ. Bite disorders are the result of an imbalance in the bite that leads to additional dental problems due to the uneven stress put on the teeth and jaw joints.
Teeth grinding, also known as Bruxism, typically occurs at night or when the patient is stressed and in many cases they do not realize they are clenching or grinding their teeth. It is common for patients who grind or clench their teeth to experience headaches, jaw pain or ear pain, typically in the morning and not relate it to their dental health. Mentioning these symptoms to Dr. Sheen can also help him to identify a possible bite disorder.
Diagnosing and treating teeth grinding will not only alleviate associated symptoms, but improve dental health and prevent further tooth damage. Untreated bruxism can even lead to tooth loss.
Dr. Sheen will evaluate the entire occlusal system to determine where there is an imbalance. Recommended treatment can include:
- A custom mouth guard: worn at night or during stressful situations, a mouth guard stabilizes the jaw and prevents teeth grinding.
- Restorative dentistry: in some cases, reshaping and repairing the teeth can bring the bite back into alignment and reduce teeth grinding.
- Orthodontics: realigning the teeth with orthodontic treatment may be necessary to solve a bite problem and provide lasting results.
Addressing teeth grinding is important to both restore and maintain good oral health and the integrity of the natural teeth.
If you have noticed any of the common signs of bruxism or experienced the above mentioned symptoms, schedule an appointment with Dr. Sheen in Annapolis and save your smile.