Many people grind their teeth, which is called Bruxism. When it occurs on a regular basis, often during sleep, it can cause harm to the teeth.
How do I find out if I grind my teeth?
If you grind your teeth at night, you might experience headaches, teeth sensitivity, loose teeth, and periodontal bone loss, and/or jaw tenderness. Make an appointment to have your mouth examined by Dr. Babik. He might find abnormalities in your teeth that indicate possible teeth grinding.
Why is grinding teeth harmful?
Teeth grinding over a long period of time can cause fracturing, loosening, or loss of teeth. In severe cases, it can lead to hearing loss, TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder) and even change the appearance of your face.
What can I do to stop teeth grinding?
Dr. Babik can make some recommendations. He can fit you with a customized mouth guard to protect your teeth from grinding during sleep. The mouth guard, made of soft or hard acrylic, will be comfortable to sleep in. When you get used to it, you will find it to be more comfortable than sleeping without it.
In severe situations, where tooth structure is lost, a more definitive treatment, such as crown or veneers may be indicated. See Dr. Babik for the best recommendations for further treatment.