23
Apr
The Long-Term Damage of Untreated Bruxism Highlights The Importance of Night Guard Therapy
Untreated bruxism, a condition which results in the clenching or grinding of teeth, can (and usually does) lead to a range of long-term dental and overall health issues. Bruxism often occurs while one sleeps, making it challenging for individuals to recognize and address without professional intervention by our dentists and the team at Positive Image Dental in Devonshire, Bermuda. However, there is good news! Treatments are available. One such solution is a custom-fit nightguard.
The Long-Term Damage of Untreated Bruxism
Using a solution like a nightguard can be a great help in minimizing and eliminating the damaging effects of bruxism. Here are some potential long-term damages of untreated bruxism and reasons why patients should consider nightguards:
- Tooth Wear and Damage: Bruxism subjects the teeth to excessive force, leading to wear, chipping, and fracturing of the enamel. Over time, untreated bruxism can wear down the biting surfaces of the teeth, flatten the cusps, and expose the underlying dentin, increasing the risk of tooth sensitivity and decay.
- Gum Recession: The repetitive grinding and clenching motions associated with bruxism can contribute to gum recession, where the gum tissue pulls away from the teeth, exposing the tooth roots. Gum recession compromises the smile’s aesthetics and increases the risk of tooth decay, root sensitivity, and periodontal disease.
- Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders: Bruxism can lead to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders characterized by pain, stiffness, clicking, or popping in the jaw joint. The excessive strain placed on the TMJ from bruxism can result in inflammation, muscle tension, and joint dysfunction, causing discomfort and affecting jaw mobility.
- Headaches and Facial Pain: Chronic bruxism can contribute to tension headaches, migraines, and facial pain. The constant muscle tension and pressure exerted on the jaw and facial muscles during grinding can lead to headaches, jaw pain, earaches, and facial soreness, negatively impacting the quality of life.
- Sleep Disturbances: Bruxism can disrupt sleep patterns and quality, leading to daytime fatigue, irritability, and decreased cognitive function. The noise generated by teeth grinding can also disturb the sleep of partners or household members, affecting their overall well-being.
- Dental Treatment Costs: Untreated bruxism may necessitate extensive dental treatments to repair the damage caused by grinding and clenching. Restorative procedures such as fillings, crowns, or even tooth replacement may be required to address tooth wear, fractures, and other brux-related issues, resulting in increased dental treatment costs over time.
If you seek treatment for your bruxism, you can ask our Devonshire, BM area dentists at Positive Image Dental about custom nightguards. Please call (441) 292-2312 to schedule an appointment with the team.
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The Positive Image Dental team comprises three doctors:
Ian Campbell, DMD graduated
from Saltus Grammar School, Mount Allison University, and McGill University Dental School. He has
over 40 years of experience in dentistry and is reputed for providing high-quality dental care in
Bermuda. Dr. Campbell is passionate about lifelong learning and staying abreast of the latest trends
in dentistry.
Christopher Allington, DMD is
an alumnus of the University of Queens, McGill Dental School, and University of Connecticut. He has
been practicing in Bermuda for over 12 years and is a member, past president, and chair of the
Bermuda Dental Association and Bermuda Dental Board. He is a Fellow of the Academy of General
Dentistry and International Congress of Oral Implantology and is registered for fellowship in the
International Association of Orthodontics.
Dr. Lara Loescher BDS, MFDS
RCSEd is a graduate of Bermuda High School and University of Bristol, a member of the Royal
College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, and is completing a Masters in Aesthetic and Restorative
dentistry. She has been practicing general and cosmetic dentistry, including Invisalign, for over 13
years and is interested in diabetes management.
Dr. Faraz, BSc, BDS, MA, is
passionate about all aspects of high-quality dentistry, especially endodontics and cosmetic
dentistry. His enthusiasm for cutting-edge technologies and techniques keeps him grounded in
minimally invasive dentistry.
Dr. Faraz earned his doctorate in dentistry from King’s College London in 2011 after earning a bachelor’s degree in Human Sciences. He worked in Oxfordshire for ten years before moving to London to work full-time at his family practice. Dr. Faraz routinely pursues additional training to improve his skill in rebuilding exceptionally natural-looking teeth.
He gains tremendous satisfaction from supporting anxious patients in overcoming their dental phobias via his passion and patience, restoring confidence in their oral health. Dr. Faraz looks forward to serving you with all your needs while ensuring your trust is always in safe hands.