TVOFS - Boise Office
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Posted on 12/30/2019 by Cole Anderson, DMD, MS |
 What is bruxism you ask? Bruxism is the act of clenching or grinding your teeth together. There are two forms of it awake bruxism and sleep bruxism, one of course, while awake the other while asleep. Many millions of Americans have one form or both of bruxism and it is thought that misaligned teeth are a culprit. Although It is believed the most common cause is stress or anxiety. It can also be the result of acid reflux disease as well as sleep apnea or other sleep disorders. The use of illegal drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or caffeinated drinks also makes the occurrence of bruxism much higher. Bruxism can lead to a whole host of dental issues. Effects and TreatmentDuring a regular checkup, your dentist may be able to spot the signs of bruxism including cracks in the enamel of your teeth. Some side effects include worn-down teeth, chips or cracks in the enamel and headaches that radiate out from the jaw to the ears. Other signs include damage to fillings or crowns and indentations in the tongue or cheeks. Some bruxism is caused by the misalignment of teeth so braces or retainers may be used to realign the offending teeth. Another popular and cost-effective method is a mouth guard which will not stop the bruxism, but it will help to protect the teeth from one another. In extreme cases of wear, it may be necessary to fill in cracks and replace fillings. It may also be required to replace crowns or bridges if they are damaged as well. Have you noticed cracks in your enamel? Does your jaw hurt in the morning? If you suspect that bruxism may be destroying your smile call our office today. We would be more than happy to schedule a consultation where we could discuss the causes, effects, and treatment options in more detail. |
