If you have an ongoing problem with grinding your teeth, you probably have heard the word “bruxism” coming from your dentist or orthodontist. The fact is, many adults and children encounter this problem, and for some there is a lifelong struggle to maintain oral health despite the condition. Understanding why some people develop habitual tooth grinding is complex, and there is no one right answer that fits everyone. Luckily, there are treatments that can help minimize the behavior and mitigate its effects.

Causes of Tooth Grinding

There are a variety of reasons why people suffer from teeth grinding in Kyle, TX. It is classed as a parafunctional activity, meaning that while it occurs commonly, it is not related to necessary body functions. Most dentists and medical professionals believe that it is brought on by stress, but there are other known causes including:

  • TMJ
  • Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
  • Oral irritations
  • Nightmares and Night Terrors
  • Dry mouth

Treating Bruxism

Grinding one’s teeth can cause serious health consequences if it is extreme or it continues over a long period of time. Not only can it cause excessive wear and tear that leads to dental complications in the future, extreme tooth grinding can also lead to cracked teeth, which are then at risk for serious infection. That means they may need to be extracted or you may need them to be capped over with dental crowns. All of these consequences make treatment important.

Treatments can range from stress relief and anti-anxiety medication to the practice of various facial relaxation strategies. The most common treatment, though, is the use of a prosthetic called a bite splint, which absorbs the pressure from grinding teeth and disperses it.

There is no absolute cure for tooth grinding, but if you are looking for treatments for grinding teeth in Kyle, TX, contact Clear Springs Dentistry and schedule an appointment with Dr. McIntyre.