Virginia beach Cosmetic and Neuromuscular Dentistry Blog - Dr. Michael Folck

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Understanding Bruxism

Bruxism is a dental condition characterized by the excessive grinding, clenching, and gnawing of the teeth. These actions can lead to several symptoms that include:

  • Increased tooth sensitivity and tooth wear
  • Cracked and worn down teeth
  • Pain in the facial muscles and tissue
  • Severe headaches
  • Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

Bruxism may be caused by stress, anxiety, hyperactivity, sleep cycles, and more. Bruxism may also be a symptom of TMD and require the care of a neuromuscular dentist.

Your teeth may become extremely damaged if bruxism goes untreated. In advanced cases, teeth need to be repaired and sometimes replaced because the teeth are worn down so much that they become painfully sensitive.

Treatment for bruxism includes dental appliances that are worn while sleeping to prevent you from grinding your teeth. These appliances also help your upper and lower jaws stay properly aligned and they reduce tension in the facial muscles and tissues. The decreased tension helps eliminate facial pain and headaches.

Please contact our neuromuscular dentistry office serving Virginia Beach and surrounding areas for more information about Bruxism.

posted by allisonb at 6:56 PM

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