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If you occasionally clench or grind your teeth—when you are especially stressed out, for example—you may not experience any negative side effects. Persistent grinding, a condition known as bruxism, can cause serious damage over time, though. If you grind your teeth, a family dentist from Anchorage Dental Center will assess the damage and explain your options regarding treatment. 

Grinding teeth is harmful to your oral health for several reasons; the most obvious is the damage it can cause to your teeth over time. Chronic grinding can wear down your natural teeth, as well as any artificial dental work that you have had done. Worn down teeth are more prone to chips, cracks, and fractures, which can lead to the need for additional dental work, like bridges, crowns, and implants.

family dentistBruxism can also affect your jaw and cause or worsen temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD). TMD is characterized by pain and tenderness in the jaw, face, and neck area. It can also inhibit your ability to open your mouth wide and even result in a stuck or “locked” jaw in the open or closed position.

There are a variety of factors that contribute to the development of TMD, and bruxism is one of them. Treatment depends on the severity of the condition and might include over-the-counter pain medication, heat and cold therapy, relaxation techniques, a night guard, dental work, or oral surgery.

The potential consequences or bruxism may be severe, but the condition is treatable. If you grind or clench your teeth, a family dentist will determine the underlying cause in order to devise an effective treatment approach for your teeth grinding.

To seek diagnosis and treatment for your bruxism, turn to Anchorage Dental Center in Alaska. They are happy to welcome new clients of all ages from the surrounding areas. Visit their website to learn more about the friendly team at this dental clinic, and call (907) 278-2521 to make an appointment with a family dentist today.

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