When looking to find a dentist, we recommend that you visit our office and have your teeth checked for signs of bruxism. If you have not heard of this technical term, it is when people grind or clench their teeth at night or throughout the day when they are not eating. This condition, while seemingly minor, can lead to a cracked or chipped natural or replacement tooth along with enamel erosion, causing sensitive teeth.
Those with bruxism typically have teeth that appear flat on the bottom. Naturally, teeth tend to have points where bruxism causes the enamel to wear down. Those with a severe degree of bruxism may start to see their teeth erode upwards as more of the tooth structure begins to wear away. This is often seen in young children who grind their teeth at night. Another common sign is indentations on the tongue.
Bruxism can lead to severe erosion of the enamel. When looking to find a dentist, a patient struggling with bruxism needs to select a dentist that treats erosion because of how uncomfortable it can be once the enamel on the teeth wears away. The enamel serves as a protective barrier, ensuring that the dentin underneath is not exposed since dentin is more porous and contains nerve endings. Once the enamel has worn away, anything that one eats or drinks; even air can cause irritation.
If the enamel only wears away slightly, we can use fluoride to help strengthen the teeth or perform a bonding procedure. If, however, much of your enamel has worn away we will need to seal in the dentin and the best way to do so is by placing a dental crown on the tooth. This performs two functions: it prevents anything from touching the tooth in order to protect it and restores the tooth's appearance. Regardless of how worn down the natural tooth is, a dental crown can typically restore it in both functionality and appearance.
Once your teeth are protected and restored, we must move to prevent bruxism from reoccurring since it will also damage your restoration. One of the ways to do so is by providing you with a night guard. These look like a full retainer, but they do not allow the teeth to touch at night, making it impossible to clench your teeth or grind them in your sleep.
We also suggest that patients also avoid touching their teeth together during the day. Many people mistakenly believe that their teeth have to touch at all times. This can further the likelihood of the wearing down the enamel on the teeth and begin experiencing jaw pain. Instead, allow for the jaw and teeth to remain in a relaxed state when one is not eating and when one does eat, be careful with chewing. Be purposeful yet gentle.
If you need to find a dentist, we recommend giving Stone Canyon Dental a call at (972) 996-3191 so that we can examine your teeth and ensure you are in excellent oral health and if you have bruxism or some other condition, we can recommend a treatment plan.
Choosing a new dentist can be an overwhelming task and not one that many people look forward to doing. It is a lot easier to find a dentist who is trustworthy, competent, and personable when you have the right tools and information on the search. From asking the right questions to spotting the characteristics of…
Dental exams are a small part of what a dentist can offer. The in-depth knowledge of teeth and gums should be another good reason to find a dentist. Routine care and cleanings are things that impact the health of the mouth, but oral health can impact other areas of life. Dentists are trained to look…
Everyone needs professional care to maintain healthy teeth and gums. These days, it is much easier to find a dentist who covers the essentials and offers additional treatments for complete care. By understanding the type of care a dentist can provide and how to find the right office, patients can enjoy better oral health.Many dentists…
Trying to find a dentist can be a long process, but there are certain points patients can look for to make the search easier. While it is up to individual patients to decide what qualities matter most, these three aspects of a dental office can be kept in mind to help narrow down choices. Every…
Full dentures can replace the teeth of each dental arch. Your gums and saliva will form a seal to help keep them in place. Getting these restorations can be life-changing. Understanding what will happen after getting them can help prepare you for each step. Here are the things you must look forward to after getting…
Dentures are a great solution for people who have lost some or all of their teeth. They can restore one's ability to eat and speak properly and improve the overall appearance of your smile. However, you may have questions about the denture process, from the initial consultation to the final fitting. This blog article will…
