Do you ever wake up suffering from a major headache? What about jaw pain, or even a ringing noise in your ear? When you open wide, such as while yawning, do you experience tightness or popping along your jaw? Do your teeth appear excessively worn along the edges, or feel sensitive when you eat? If so, you could be suffering from bruxism, the technical term for subconscious teeth grinding, a condition that can lead to severely damaged teeth, as well as ongoing jaw and neck pain. Fortunately, in many cases, dental treatment can be simple and effective.
Since subconscious teeth grinding most often happens at night, it can be difficult to diagnose. That said, many patients experience a number of warning signs or symptoms when they are suffering from bruxism.
For instance, you might notice:
While treatment for bruxism can vary, based on the causes of it, for many patients oral appliances similar to mouthguards can prove an effective and minimally invasive solution. These mouthguards prevent nighttime teeth grinding, and help to keep the teeth in a comfortable position over night.
In some cases, though, the dentist might also recommend restorative treatment to address any teeth that have become badly damaged by the teeth grinding. Crowns, for instance, can be used to help protect fragile teeth.
Dr. Dooley helps to address many dental issues, including bruxism. To schedule a consultation, call Scott Dooley Dentistry in Garland, TX, today at 972-495-8100. We also proudly serve the residents of Dallas, Richardson, Wylie, Sachse, and all surrounding communities.