What is Bruxism, and How is it Treated?

Bruxism is a chronic condition in which an individual grinds, clenches, or gnashes their teeth. It can occur while one is either awake or asleep. Not everyone with bruxism knows they're affected, which is why routine dental exams are crucial to protecting your dental well-being.

We're thrilled to help you guard your teeth and achieve optimal oral health. If you're worried, have any questions, or are experiencing pain, discomfort, or damage to your teeth, reach out to us at Advanced Dentistry of Centre County to schedule an appointment with a State College, PA dentist.

What is bruxism?

Bruxism can be a serious issue. Therefore, it's essential to keep up with your routine dental appointments, so we can evaluate your oral health and detect any relevant signs or symptoms.

Early detection leads to more effective treatment options, and we can prevent future damage with timely intervention. Bruxism can cause multiple problems. It can flatten the teeth or create chips or cracks, potentially causing increased sensitivity, pain, and persistent discomfort. The cumulative grinding or clenching can also wear away the enamel, exposing the deeper layers of one's teeth or even lead to gum recession.

Furthermore, bruxism can lead to muscular or joint problems and a tired or tight jaw, with soreness that extends into the adjacent facial regions. Headaches or pain in the shoulder or neck can result, as well as sleep disruptions, whose overarching effects make everyday life more challenging than it should be. With so many potential adverse effects, it's imperative to be on the lookout for bruxism and to contact us as soon as possible if you have any concerns.

What are my treatment options for bruxism?

An initial step in diagnosing and treating bruxism is scheduling an appointment with a State College, PA dentist. Bruxism may have numerous underlying causes, including psychological factors like anxiety. Other influential aspects include allergies, joint disorders, stress, and misaligned teeth. Once we've evaluated your dental and overall health and provided a diagnosis, we can prescribe the most effective treatment specifically for you.

Your treatment plan may include a night guard, custom-fitted according to your unique oral physiology. Your guard will be comfortable and bring proper alignment to your upper and lower jaw while helping to prevent further damage from friction.

We can also explore occlusal adjustments, a procedure in which we even out the surfaces of the upper and lower teeth to create a uniformity that facilitates proper dental position and treats bruxism. Orthodontic options may also help, whereas other treatments (jaw exercises, medications, compresses) can alleviate the pain and discomfort.

Treat bruxism by contacting us today

Bruxism can severely impact one's dental health and quality of life. The resultant tooth deterioration and jaw pain can trigger other problems, including sleep disruptions which leave you tired and unenthusiastic.

So, if you or a loved one are suffering from bruxism, or you fear you may be, don't hesitate to reach out to us at Advanced Dentistry of Centre County. Our State College PA dentist and expert team can devise a treatment plan for your specific needs in State College, PA.