– Have you ever been told that you snore or grind and clench your teeth loudly?
– Do you have teeth that look flattened or chipped and loose?
– Is your tooth enamel worn down leading to an increase in tooth sensitivity?
– Do you ever experience jaw pain or soreness when you wake up?
– Do you have any damage to the insides of your cheeks from unconsciously chewing on them through the night?
– Have you been diagnosed with sleep apnea or TMJ?
– Do you ever have pain that feels like an earache, but it’s not caused by your ear?
– Do you have any indentations on your tongue?
– Do you have a locked jaw that won’t open or close completely?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may be at an increased risk for bruxism. Our team is here to help you with all your oral health needs. For a complete diagnosis from Dr. Joseph Szymczak and our team at our dentist office in Grand Rapids, Michigan, you can schedule an appointment by calling us at 616-453-0002. We look forward to helping you smile.

The post Do You Experience Any of the Following Symptoms of Bruxism? first appeared on MI Roots Family Dental.

Wear is often caused by teeth grinding or clenching. In fact, this can cause small cracks in your enamel, making your smile more prone to tooth decay. Grinding can also lead to headaches, damage to your jaw, and other pains. Typically, this problem is worse in people who grind hard or who grind often. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do if you suffer from these problems. One option is finding a way to relieve stress or to avoid stressful situations. However, if these don’t work, your dentist can give you’re a mouth guard or a splint, which can stop grinding and clenching.

A second reason for wear is acid, which erodes enamel. As strong as your teeth may be, acid will erode your enamel and consequently weaken them. This problem is especially common in individuals who enjoy many carbonated drink, fruit juices, or alcohol. Similarly, individuals with some health problems (such as acid reflux) can bring acid in your stomach to your mouth. Women who are pregnant also tend to have issues with acid on their teeth. To counteract this problem, we recommend cutting down on acidic drinks. Using mouthwash after finishing your beverages can also help. If you are pregnant, we recommend going to your dentist for a checkup.

Finally, you may wear down your tooth through abrasion. This is typically caused by brushing your teeth incorrectly. If you brush too hard, you may damage your enamel. When you brush, please use gentle, circular motions. If you are concerned about this type of wear, we recommend using a toothbrush with soft or medium bristles or finding non-abrasive toothpaste.

If you are interested in learning more, please feel free to contact us soon. We are excited to hear from you soon.

The post How to Protect Your Teeth from Wear first appeared on MI Roots Family Dental.