There are several threats to your smile that you should be ready to address. You can address problems like tooth decay and gum disease by keeping up with good oral hygiene at home, and by seeing your dentist for regular checkups. These checkups are also your opportunity to discuss potential problems with teeth grinding. Many people who tend to clench their jaw or grind their teeth reflexively do so while they are asleep. Without the right intervention, this can lead to serious dental damage! Our Columbia, TN dentist's office can provide protection for your smile, and we can discuss treatments that help you address any damage that has already occurred.
Has A Teeth Grinding Habit Hurt Your Smile?
Over time, you can see the effect that habitual teeth grinding, known as bruxism, is having on your smile. The constant friction can wear down your enamel and make your smile look dull or uneven. It can also cause chips and cracks that hurt your oral health. Putting off treatment for this problem can lead to it growing worse over time, and it can lead to more problems with pain and sensitivity.
Protecting Your Smile From Wear And Tear Due To Nightly Teeth Grinding
Keeping your smile safe when you suffer from bruxism is important. To help you in this, your dentist can provide you with a custom-made appliance that fits securely to offer protection throughout the night. Your occlusal guard will help you avoid further damage from teeth grinding and clenching. It can also protect your jaw to reduce stress and strain.
We Can Restore Your Appearance By Addressing Worn Or Damaged Teeth
Many patients who make arrangements to protect their teeth with a custom guard can avoid the dental damage that affects their smile and oral health. Unfortunately, those who do not seek help in time can suffer permanent dental damage that needs to be treated. After an evaluation, we can see whether you might benefit more from cosmetic or restorative dental work, and move forward with care. Restorative services can address oral health concerns as well as problems with the way your teeth look. Cosmetic work is more conservative, as it is focused on just changing your appearance. When you regularly schedule dental checkups, you can receive helpful warnings when there are signs that bruxism affects you.
Talk To Your Columbia, TN Dentist About Bruxism
If you have problems with bruxism, timely intervention will be important. If you wait too long to take care of this matter, you can end up with alarming dental damage that hurts your smile and oral health. Our practice is here to help. In addition to providing custom guards to protect smiles, we offer those with bruxism treatment options that can restore damaged enamel. To find out more about our practice and how we can help you, call Creekside Family Dentistry in Columbia, TN, today at (931) 388–3384.