We’ve all heard that prevention is the best medicine, which is why preventive dentistry is your best defense against oral issues. But, some oral issues aren’t as apparent as others, such as tooth clenching or grinding (also called bruxism). Fortunately, a skilled dentist can diagnose the condition and make recommendations for bruxism treatment.

Located in Denver, CO, Metropolitan Dental Care is your premier location for all of your dental needs, including tooth grinding. If you’re ready to explore bruxism treatment, then schedule your consultation at (303) 534-2626 or request it online here. 

If you want more information about bruxism treatment, then keep reading. Here, we discuss what bruxism is and why you might need to address it sooner rather than later.

What is bruxism?

Bruxism is the unconscious clenching and grinding of the teeth, usually while sleeping. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, bruxism affects over 30% of the population, with some demographics more at-risk than others, including:

  • Patients with generalized anxiety or depression
  • Individuals who work or live in high-stress environments
  • People with a family history of bruxism
  • Patients taking certain medications, like antidepressants
  • Individuals who partake in recreational drug or alcohol use  
  • People with certain conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), or sleep apnea

How do I know if I grind my teeth at night?

Typically, patients have no idea that they grind their teeth at night. However, there are some key indicators that you might be suffering from sleep bruxism, such as:

  • Teeth that appear flat or worn at the tip
  • Frequent headaches
  • Waking up tired
  • Worn tooth enamel that results in extreme dental sensitivity, particularly to temperature and pressure
  • Jaw pain (also called temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMD)
  • Tooth indentations on the sides of the tongue

Ultimately, an in-depth consultation with one of our skilled Denver dentists will help you determine if you’re unconsciously grinding your teeth.

What happens if I don’t get bruxism treatment?

Untreated bruxism can lead to numerous oral issues, including:

  • Worn tooth enamel
  • Fractured or weakened teeth
  • Temporomandibular joint dysfunction
  • Increased cavity rates
  • Sleep apnea
  • Tooth loss

To avoid worsening oral health, it’s imperative to seek bruxism treatment as soon as possible. Otherwise, you may be jeopardizing the health and appearance of your smile.

What is bruxism treatment?

There are several ways that our Denver dentists may approach bruxism treatment. Typically, our team recommends making minor lifestyle changes first, such as:

  • Limiting alcohol and caffeine consumption
  • Avoiding recreational drugs and tobacco products
  • Getting adequate exercise
  • Eating a nutritious diet and drinking plenty of water
  • Creating a peaceful nighttime routine

If these lifestyle changes don’t improve the symptoms of bruxism, then our team may suggest a custom-made night guard to protect your teeth from further damage. These oral appliances provide much-needed protection from the nearly 250 pounds of pressure that the jaws place on clenched teeth.

Alternatively, our team may recommend orthodontia (like braces or Invisalign®) to move the teeth and jaws into better alignment. With improved dental alignment, patients are less likely to damage their teeth while sleeping.

Ask Us About Bruxism Treatment Today

If you think that you might be grinding your teeth at night, then don’t delay–ask us about bruxism treatment today. We’ll help you get restful sleep that doesn’t compromise your oral health. 

To schedule your appointment, call our Denver dental office at (303) 534-2626 or request it online here.