Livingston Dentists: What Happens When You Clench Your Teeth?

In the United States, over ten million people suffer from bruxism. This disorder refers to the grinding or clenching of the teeth. Over time, bruxism may damage the smile or even lead to medical complications. At The Silverstrom Group, we offer comfortable and minimally invasive treatment options for bruxism. In today’s blog, your Livingston dentists, Dr. David Silverstrom and Dr. Gary Silverstrom, discuss what happens when you clench your teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bruxism
Question: What causes a person to clench or grind their teeth?
Answer: A variety of factors may lead to a person clenching their teeth. In many cases, stress causes the onset of bruxism. Another common cause is malocclusion, or bite misalignment.
Question: What risks are associated with bruxism?
Answer: Without treatment, clenching and grinding your teeth may chip, crack, or even wear down your teeth. This exposes the sensitive inner tooth structure to bacteria, which leads to tooth decay and infection. Bruxism also places strain on the jaw joints, which leads to TMJ disorder. Also known as TMD, this disorder makes opening the mouth difficult and may cause jaw, head, and neck pain.
Question: How do I know if I clench or grind my teeth?
Answer: Unfortunately, many people with bruxism only grind or clench their teeth during sleep. Symptoms to watch for include: Tooth sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, toothaches, and pain when biting down or chewing.
Question: What treatments do my Livingston NJ general dentists offer?
Answer: In order to address alignment and prevent teeth grinding, Dr. David or Gary Silverstrom may recommend an oral appliance. Similar to a night guard, this device prevents the upper and lower teeth from touching, easing bruxism. The device also repositions the jaw to correct malocclusion.
Schedule an Appointment with Your Livingston NJ General Dentists
Do you frequently clench or grind your teeth? If so, you may damage your teeth or even develop TMJ disorder. To learn more or receive a diagnosis, talk to your Livingston NJ general dentists today. Dr. David Silverstrom and Dr. Gary Silverstrom will diagnose the cause and severity of TMJ disorder. Contact The Silverstrom Group in Livingston, New Jersey by calling (973) 797-9345. The Silverstrom Group is located at 580 South Livingston Avenue, Livingston, New Jersey.