Teeth grinding, or bruxism, may not sound like a big problem, but it could actually have serious consequences, especially if it goes untreated. It is a particularly tricky condition to suffer from because many patients do not realize that they have it. At New Teeth Dental Solutions, our experienced team in Houston will be able to examine your teeth for signs of teeth grinding and help you treat it with the use of a bruxism oral appliance in order to prevent serious damage to the teeth.

What is Bruxism?

Bruxism is more commonly known as teeth grinding. It can also present as teeth clenching. Both actions can have negative consequences on the teeth and jaw. Continued pressure on the joint that connects the jaw to the skull (the temporomandibular joint, or TMJ) can lead to permanent damage to the joint. Additionally, as strong as teeth are, constant grinding can cause them to wear down and possibly even break.

Many patients live with bruxism without knowing it because teeth grinding usually occurs at night during sleep. There are signs, however, that the grinding is taking place, including:

• Pain or tenderness in the face or jaw joint area when chewing, speaking, or opening the mouth wide; pain can also reach to the neck and shoulders
• Clicking, popping, or grating sounds in the jaw joint when it is moved, which may or may not be painful
• A change in the bite
• Swelling on the side of the face

If you observe any of these symptoms in yourself or a loved one, visit us at New Teeth Dental Solutions to have your mouth examined.

Oral Appliance for Bruxism

The oral appliance used to help treat bruxism is a night guard. This device closely resembles a sports guard but is only worn at night. It helps to protect the teeth from grinding against each other and prevent the damage that that causes and also relieves the pressure on the jaw joint. At our dental office near you in Houston, we can fit you with a custom-made guard that will be comfortable as well as effective. If you suspect that you suffer from bruxism, make an appointment at New Teeth Dental Solutions today to have the issue diagnosed and to be fitted with an oral appliance.