Here at Eagle Gate Dental in Salt Lake City, we take all kinds of dental problems and dental health issues seriously. This is why we offer both cosmetic and restorative dentistry treatments to improve dental health and the appearance of the smile. Patients can count on us to help them with their dental problems, no matter what they are. Teeth grinding is one such problem that patients tend to come to us with. Let's look at the basics of teeth grinding right now.

About Teeth Grinding

Also known as bruxism, teeth grinding refers to the gnashing, clenching, and shifting of the teeth that occurs when a person is asleep. This activity of the upper and lower jaws can lead to damage to the teeth if left untreated. Teeth grinding can also contribute to gum recession and is one of the leading causes of TMJ disorders, which refers to the locking, clicking, and popping of the jaw joint.

Common Causes of Teeth Grinding

Some of the most common causes of teeth grinding are excessive stress, poor dental alignment, or a combination of both. During a consultation with your dentist, you will be able to learn what is causing your TMJ disorder and what can be done to treat it.

A Bite Guard Is a Key to Proper Treatment

One of the keys to properly treating a TMJ disorder is the use of a bite guard. A bite guard is mouth piece that is worn when a patient is asleep. This retainer will prevent direct contact between the upper dental arch and the lower dental arch, reducing the stress on the teeth as well as the stress on the jaw joint.

Stress Management to Reduce Gnashing and Clenching

If stress is a primary cause or contributing factor to a TMJ disorder, the use of various stress management techniques is generally recommended to help reduce the severity of the grinding. This could be anything from breathing exercises, meditation, incorporating more exercise into your weekly routine, or learning new time management strategies.

Orthodontic Care May Play a Part In Treatment

Since poor dental alignment is one of the leading factors that contributes to teeth grinding, it should come as no surprise that orthodontic care is often a part of treatment. For adults, the use of adult braces or Invisalign can help shift the teeth into a better alignment overall, making teeth grinding less likely while simultaneously improving one's overall dental health and wellness.

Customizing Therapy to Your Needs

Since teeth grinding has different causes, it's important that each teeth grinding treatment is carefully customized to the needs of each patient. It is not uncommon for multiple or all of the treatments above to be considered for effective treatment. Sometimes more advanced therapies may be considered depending on the nature of the teeth grinding. Your dentist will cover all options for care during your visit to the practice.

Schedule a Consultation at Eagle Gate Dental

If you would like more information about treating tooth grinding as well as other kinds of dental health issues, we encourage you to contact our cosmetic and restorative dentistry center today. At Eagle Gate Dental, we will work closely with you to ensure that you achieve a healthy and beautiful smile.