Wearing a mouthguard is the most common way to help with teeth-grinding. This dental appliance protects teeth from developing enamel erosion. It also helps disperse the pressure to reduce dental and jaw pain. If you want to know if a mouthguard is the only teeth-grinding treatment available, here are the details.
A patient with a teeth-grinding problem can resort to this treatment instead of wearing a mouthguard. Reductive coronoplasty can level or reshape the biting surfaces of teeth. This procedure could be effective if it is a result of crooked teeth, crowding, or misalignment. Some patients may need additive coronoplasty. This second procedure can build up the dental structure.
In some cases, teeth-grinding can result from mental health issues. Anxiety, stress, and depression may become overwhelming to some people. Wearing a mouthguard can help protect teeth and jaw. But targeting one of the root causes can be a good treatment as well.
Yoga can reduce depression. Meditation can lower pain, depression, anxiety, and stress. Talk therapy is also an ideal way to target teeth-grinding. Speaking to a counselor, therapist, or psychiatrist can help. Regular exercise can release endorphins in the brain. These neurotransmitters can help lower stress.
Studies show that botulinum toxin can reduce teeth-grinding frequency and pain. Discussing this with the dentist can help determine if the patient qualifies for this treatment. This can be a good option if the patient is not scared of needles. Otherwise, a mouthguard would be more acceptable.
This procedure involves injecting small amounts of the toxin into the jaw muscles. The injections cannot cure teeth-grinding. It can only relax the muscle. This treatment may relieve teeth-grinding and the headaches from it. The relief from the injections can last for three to four months.
These exercises can be a good alternative to wearing a mouthguard. They can help relax the facial and jaw muscles. The repetitive motions can also maintain the proper jaw alignment. The patient can do these exercises at work or at home with the watchful eye of a physical therapist. Wearing the mouthguard after the exercises is also an option.
Stretching exercises can loosen the jaw muscles. Gentle jaw massage also has the same effect. Applying hot packs can widen the blood vessels in the jaw area. This has a relaxing effect. It can prevent the jaw from clenching, especially at night.
This technique helps the individual become aware of the behavior. In doing so, the patient can learn to stop this behavior. This can be effective in stopping awake and sleep teeth-grinding. The patient can wear a mouthguard while going through this treatment. Biofeedback can teach the patient how to control the jaw muscles. Wearing a mouthguard during the treatment can help protect the teeth and jaw.
Teeth-grinding happens in many people. Treating it in its early stages is vital in preventing serious complications. Available treatments can help target the root causes of teeth-grinding. Wearing a mouthguard can support them by protecting the teeth as you go through these alternative therapies.
Are you considering getting a mouthguard in the Fontana area? Get more information at https://gurzfamilydental.com.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Mouth Guards in Fontana, CA.
While mouth guards are something that you can purchase for yourself for use in sports or other activities, higher quality or customized options are occasionally recommended by your dentist for use in preventative care against tooth damage. There are a few different types of mouth guards that a dentist may suggest you use if you…
Dentists have long recognized an oral health connection to overall health. The body’s systems are interrelated and affect one another. Long-term dental problems impact the immune system and other metabolic functions. It is the view of the American Dental Association that infections often enter the body through the mouth.A long-term infection in the gum taxes…
Getting in a car accident, falling off your bike, or even just brushing up against something sharp can all result in a chipped tooth, which may not seem serious at first, but it's always best to get them treated by your dentist as soon as possible to prevent tooth decay and damage in the long…
There are many possible causes of a chipped tooth. Opening packages with your teeth, biting down on hard foods or objects and facial trauma can chip teeth. Whatever the cause, a chipped tooth can bring discomfort and make your teeth less appealing. Fixing a chipped tooth when you first notice it can prevent further problems.…
Gum disease treatment addresses the root source of the disease and halts the ramifications. Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a common condition that damages the gums and the structures that support the teeth. If left untreated, it can cause serious problems, including tooth loss. The good news is that if caught early, these treatments…
An emergency dentist is vital when unexpected dental problems arise, providing immediate care to address pain, damage, and other urgent issues. Comparing an emergency dentist to an oral surgeon is important for understanding which professional can best meet a patient's needs. While both play critical roles in maintaining oral health, their training, focus, and treatment…