Have you looked at your teeth lately? I mean really looked? How do they appear to you: white, healthy, straight, the proper size and shape? If you’re teeth no longer look as if they are the proper size and shape you may have a habit that you don’t know about. That habit is called bruxing. Bruxing is the dental term for grinding and clenching your teeth. It often takes place at night while you are sleeping and that is why you probably are not aware of it. But bruxism can damage your teeth to the point that you will need restorative treatment. Before things get that far protect your teeth against bruxing.
The Effects of Bruxing
Whether you are asleep or awake, grinding and clenching can be damaging to your teeth. In most cases bruxing is done unintentionally either while you are asleep, or while you are distracted, worried, angry, stressed, or simply concentrating during your waking hours. If your front teeth appear worn down, if you are experiencing facial or jaw pain, headaches, or tooth sensitivity, you may very well be a bruxer. Your back teeth can become worn down, and so can your front teeth which are more noticeable. They can become short, stubby looking, you may have a reversed smile line (meaning your teeth arc toward your upper lip rather than down toward your chin), or your teeth may begin to chip. Clenching and grinding also puts undue stress on your jaw joint and underlying jaw bones causing sensitivity and/or temporomandibular joint disorders.
Protect Your Teeth
If you suspect that you brux, you can protect your teeth before it is too late. Treatment is conservative and includes wearing a custom-fit mouth guard. It is made with a soft, clear, plastic material that cushions your teeth and keeps your top teeth from coming into contact with your lower teeth, helping to eliminate symptoms and tooth wear.
ABOUT YOUR DOWNEY, CA, DENTISTS:
Dr. Hadis Reyhani, Dr. Ben Reyhani, and Dr. Pasha Hakimzadeh, DDS, provide a wealth of combined experience, along with innovative technology and personalized care, to help improve our patients’ dental health so they can enjoy smiling again. To schedule a consultation, call Downey Family Cosmetic Dentistry today at (562) 472-2433.
