Common Approaches in Treating Teeth Grinding In Aurora

What comes to mind when you hear the words teeth grinding in Aurora? If you are clueless about it, teeth grinding is involuntary clenching of teeth, which, if not treated, can cause damage to teeth and even lead to tooth loss. In this blog post, we will discuss the causes of teeth grinding and how to treat it.

What makes people grind their teeth?

Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is a common problem affecting people of all ages. Many people with this medical condition do not realize that they have it. Several factors can contribute to teeth grinding :

• Excessive consumption of alcohol
• Too much caffeine
• Stress and anxiety
• Sleep apnea

If you suspect that you grind your teeth, it is best to consult your dentist to evaluate the condition of your teeth and mouth. Moreover, they can provide you with the best treatment. 

Evaluation

The remedies for teeth grinding may vary depending on the severity of the patients’ case. During the dental appointment, the dentist will do the following steps as part of the diagnosis:

1. They will look for any change in your teeth or mouth. One of the symptoms of teeth grinding is cracked tooth enamel due to too much pressure on the teeth. 
2. They will also ask questions about dental health, medications, and sleeping habits.
3. To know the extent of bruxism, they may check your jaw muscles and cheeks. 
4. If teeth clenching is related to sleep or anxiety issues, the dentist may refer the patient to a sleep specialist or therapist. 

How to treat teeth grinding

The grinding of the teeth can cause severe problems such as oral pain, headaches, and tooth damage if left untreated. Fortunately, there are several ways to treat bruxism and relieve its symptoms.

1. Mouthguards

A mouthguard can help cushion your teeth and reduce the force of grinding. In addition, it can reduce the noise when you clench your teeth at night. 

2. Stress management

If teeth grinding is due to stress, meditation and relaxation strategies can help prevent the problem. Moreover, a licensed counsellor may help resolve teeth grinding caused by anxiety. 

3. Biofeedback

It is a tool that helps learn more about how the body responds to different situations. The information gathered from the device will help the patient understand their body’s reactions.  Furthermore, it teaches the patient how to control muscle activity in the jaw. 

4. Medications

Pain and swelling in the jaw are effects of teeth grinding. To help alleviate the pain, your dentist may prescribe ibuprofen. Furthermore, they may prescribe medications to relax the muscles.

What can you do to prevent bruxism?

Several home remedies can help relieve the symptoms of bruxism. If you follow these tips, you’ll be able to keep your teeth in good condition and prevent serious oral problems. 

• Drinking coffee with caffeine at night is not a good idea.
• Maintain good sleep habits.
• Regularly visit your dentist.
• Stress reduction techniques such as listening to music, taking a warm bath, or exercising may help you relax.
• Don’t chew gum, which could lead to more wear and tear.

Preparing for your appointment

Getting an appointment is essential if your dentist tells you that you grind your teeth.  Before your meeting, you should prepare the following information :

• Medications you are taking
• Medical history
• Symptoms you are experiencing
• Prepared questions for your dentist

It is essential to schedule an appointment with your qualified Aurora dentist as soon as possible if you are experiencing any of the symptoms of teeth grinding. Without treatment, teeth grinding can result in a range of dental problems, so don’t wait until it’s too late. Schedule an appointment with your Aurora dentist today.