Do you clench or grind your teeth while sleeping or during the day? If so, you may have a condition called bruxism. Clenching and grinding your teeth causes them to wear, which can also cause damage to your gums. During your visits to AZ Dental, our periodontist may notice signs of bruxism and recommend that you receive bruxism treatments in San Jose, California. Many treatments include using a night guard or oral appliance to protect your teeth. Depending on your condition, Dr. Bui may recommend additional treatment. Please contact us at 408-247-5500 to learn more, and to schedule your appointment today.
Bruxism, or the clenching or grinding of your teeth, is a condition that many people will experience during their lives. Many people find that they clench or grind their teeth at night, but is also possible to do it during the day, particularly under stressful situations. By consistently rubbing your teeth back and forth, your jaw joints and muscles can begin to wear down and cause other symptoms, such as frequent headaches, earaches, and anxiety.
The wear that bruxism can cause on your teeth can make your teeth more susceptible to tooth decay. This happens because the protective enamel layer is ground away, exposing the more vulnerable parts of the tooth beneath. If tooth decay becomes extensive enough, it can begin to infect your gums and lead to gum disease. Bruxism can also cause damage to the biting surface of your teeth, requiring extensive restorative treatment. The wear on your jaw joint can lead to arthritis and pain your face and neck as your jaw becomes more strained.
When you visit our practice, we can check for signs of bruxism and whether or not it is leading to periodontal disease. If you suffer from bruxism, you could benefit from one or more of the following treatments:
- Mouth guard/night guard: wearing a mouth guard during the day or at night can provide a layer of protection between your upper and lower teeth. Our doctor will customize your mouth or nigh guards for maximum protection.
- NTI-tss device: an oral appliance that is customized to fit only over your front teeth, preventing your upper and lower teeth from touching and grinding or clenching.
- Botox®: our doctors are trained and certified to administer Botox® to help relax your muscles and prevent them from clenching.
For more details about bruxism and our treatment options, we welcome you to contact our office today. We are always happy to help!
