Elmhurst Dentist Reviews the Symptoms of Bruxism that Can Lead to Dental Damage and Oral Health Prob

Written by Dr. Scharfenberg on Dec 12, 2012

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Our Elmhurst dentist office always wants to help patients avoid dental problems before they affect their teeth and gums. The best thing that patients can do is to look out for signs of dental trouble and seek treatment right away. Many patients don’t realize the bruxism is a chronic dental problem that can cause your teeth to break down prematurely over time. In this article I’m going to be explaining how to recognize sings of bruxism, and how these symptoms lead to tooth damage.

In general, bruxism causes dental damage because your teeth are subjected to a great deal of force when you grind and clench your teeth. Over time this can lead to:

Small microchips in enamel

Tiny chips in the enamel, and weakened tooth structure can lead to number of problems over time. These cracks and chips provide ideal breeding grounds for harmful oral bacteria. You’ll also accumulate stains and discoloration in damaged dental enamel.

Tooth fracture

Some patients actually suffer from severe tooth fractures due to the grinding and clenching of bruxism. This requires significant restorative dentistry treatments to restore the functionality and the appearance of the tooth.

Bruxism is characterized by chronic jaw clenching—this may happen at night or during the day. So look out for signs of trouble including a sore or stiff jaw, especially upon waking. You may also find that your teeth back teeth are somewhat sore when you wake up. If you notice these problems in your daily life, contact your dentist for an evaluation and consultation about bruxism treatments.

There are treatments that we can employ to help alleviate uncomfortable symptoms and protect your teeth! Our Elmhurst dentists are here to work with you and help you find a dental solution that fits your needs. Schedule a consultation online or give us a call to get started.