A first visit to the dentist enables the patient and dentist to learn about each other. The patient can help the dentist by bringing information about any current supplements and medications, their insurance, recent dental X-rays, and referrals. One of the dentists will describe the practice and then perform a comprehensive dental exam. If they find problems, they will discuss them with the patient and recommend appropriate treatments. Dentists can help with all sorts of oral health issues, including bruxism.
What is Bruxism?
Bruxism is a condition in which a person grinds their teeth while they are sleeping. It can eventually damage the teeth and shove them out of alignment. The patient may also experience headaches or develop temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, which causes pain and impaired movement of the jaw. Symptoms associated with bruxism include extremely tight jaw muscles, earaches, sensitive teeth, damaged or worn teeth, small sores or cuts on the inner cheeks, and facial pain.
Remedies for the Symptoms of Bruxism
A dentist in Bucks County will often recommend a custom-made nightguard or mouth guard for a patient with bruxism. Nightguards are made of sturdy plastic, and they fit snugly over the upper teeth. If the patient is wearing an appliance like braces, the dentist can order night guards for both jaws. While the night guard won’t stop the tooth-grinding, it will protect the teeth from damage.
The dentist may also check the patient’s bite by merely having them bite down on a sheet of mylar paper. They will look for colored spots that indicate where the teeth have come into contact. If the dentist finds signs of an abnormal bite, they can perform an occlusal or bite adjustment by smoothing uneven teeth so they will fit together correctly.
To schedule an appointment with a quality dentist in the Bucks County area, contact the team at Absolute Smile online at www.myabsolutesmile.com.
