Bruxism

A Quick Look at the Causes of Receding Gums

Have you noticed that your teeth have become sensitive to hot and cold foods/drinks? If so, this situation should never be taken likely.

The soft tissue of your gums is intended to protect your teeth and without its presence, a host of problems may develop. This is why speaking with a dentist at the first sign of trouble is the best way to avoid more in-depth interventions in the future.

It is just as important to appreciate some of the main causes of receding gums. Let’s take a quick look at a handful of common situations. You can then consult with a professional to better understand what treatments may be required.

Bruxism

Believe it or not, grinding your teeth (a condition known as bruxism) can negatively impact your gums. Excessive amounts of pressure can cause this soft tissue to become inflamed, resulting in recession if left unchecked.

Improperly Aligned Teeth

The main issue with crooked or otherwise misaligned teeth is that they are often more difficult to clean. As a result, individuals are at a higher risk of developing infections, cavities and other issues. Let’s also remember that uneven amounts of pressure can affect the underlying tissues, resulting in receding gums.

Gum Disease

This is arguably the most well-known cause of receding gums. If the proper oral care techniques are not embraced, bacteria will accumulate around the teeth. Some of these bacteria may eventually make their way beneath the gum line. This causes nearby tissues to pull away from the surfaces of your teeth. If left untreated, this condition can lead to more serious issues that will require professional intervention to correct.

Poor and/or Aggressive Brushing Habits

In terms of brushing and flossing, the phrase “too much of a good thing” is entirely relevant. Aggressive brushing can physically damage the gums, causing them to recede. This is even more likely when referring to those who use a toothbrush with extremely stiff bristles. It is much better to employ softer bristles so that they will not inflame the gums and the surrounding soft tissues.

Are you concerned about the health of your gums? Are teeth sensitive and do gums bleed when brushing? If so, it is prudent to speak with a dentist at the first sign of trouble. He or she will be able to offer a host of effective solutions at the right times.

How Is TMJ Disorder Treated?

It is estimated that more than 10 million Americans are suffering from temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). Unfortunately, many of these individuals fail to obtain the proper treatment. They are instead forced to endure a significant amount of pain and discomfort.

Thankfully, there are a host of innovative solutions which are capable of providing the relief that you have desperately search for. Let us first examine some of the causes of TMJ before moving on to discuss how this condition can be effectively treated.

The Causes and Symptoms of TMJ

There are a handful of reasons why an individual may develop TMJ. Here are some of the most common:

Bruxism (teeth grinding)
Incorrect lifestyle habits (such as incorrect posture)
Chewing hard or gummy foods
A misaligned jaw

A clinician will therefore examine your current situation in order to determine if these conditions are present. He or she may also perform in-depth procedures such as x-rays or CT scans if another issue is suspected.

Of course, the concurrent symptoms will also be used to diagnose the presence of TMJ. These can include (but may not be limited to) clicking or grinding sensations within the jaw, difficulty chewing food, pain around the face, or the inability to fully open your mouth.

What Are Your Treatment Options?

Let us imagine that you have been diagnosed with TMJ disorder. What treatment options are at your disposal? The most common involve non-invasive procedures. These include monitoring the types of foods that you eat, wearing an appliance in order to avoid grinding your teeth and managing your levels of stress (if this is a perceived cause).

There can still be times when the solutions mentioned above fail to provide relief. In such scenarios, more targeted solutions may need to be considered. For example, a dentist or orthodontist may recommend corticosteroid injections or surgery. In rare instances, your pain may be caused by other underlying health issues such as arthritis or a localised tumour. The best way to rule out these situations is to speak with a professional sooner as opposed to later.

There is no reason why anyone who has been diagnosed with TMJ disorder should continue to suffer in silence. There are many unique options at your disposal and these can offer amazing results. Make it a point to consult with a specialist if you feel that a problem is present.

Grind Your Teeth? Try These Tips

Bruxism, the habit of teeth grinding, can be very harmful to the teeth and should always be treated by a dentist. Grinding exerts extreme pressure on the teeth and can lead to inflamed gums, loss of tooth enamel, chips, fractures and even loose or broken teeth.

While professional help from a dentist is required, there are also a number of measures that can be taken to minimise the effects of bruxism.

Reduce stress by identifying the triggers that cause anxiety and leads to grinding the teeth
Exercise the jaw muscles with gentle stretching and use correct sitting posture to prevent tension of the jaw, neck and shoulders
Physical therapy can also be helpful with exercises targeted on reducing tension in the shoulders and jaw

Massage can also help with chronic tension in the jaw muscles and this can be done by a professional therapist or even by oneself once given the proper instruction.

Although these methods can be useful in limiting the frequency and effects of bruxism it is a serious dental condition with possible long-term harmful effects.

If teeth grinding is starting to become a habit then it is time to consult a dentist who can decide on the most effective course of treatment for each individual case.

More information can be found at https://yourdentalhealthresource.com/reduce-your-teeth-grinding-with-these-simple-exercises/

Bruxism: Causes, Effects and Solutions

Do you wake up with an aching jaw or sensitive teeth? Does your teeth look cracked or incomplete unlike before? If you have these signs, you most probably have a condition known as bruxism.
Danny de Villiers Dentist Bruxism involves conscious and unconscious teeth grinding, which causes early wear and tear. It is not a cause for concern, unless it happens on a regular basis. Severe cases of bruxism may lead to serious dental problems if left untreated.
Causes
Bruxism is mainly due to missing or crooked teeth and misaligned bites. Stress and anxiety partly get the blame, as well. Some people grind their teeth as a reflex to highly stressful or emotional situations.
Lifestyle and disorder may be another cause of bruxism. Sleep apnoea may cause you to grind your teeth. Frequent intake of alcohol, caffeine, tobacco and recreational drugs makes your mind and body active, forcing you to become restless even in sleep.
Prevention
Whilst no treatments can cure bruxism completely, there are ways to keep it from happening. As bruxism is an involuntary reaction, dentists suggest wearing mouth guards or splints to protect the teeth and reduce the grinding noises, which may disrupt your sleep. Another way to prevent bruxism is to manage stress through psychological treatments.
Dentists suggest limiting intake of caffeinated food and drinks, such as coffee, cola and chocolate. Alcohol also aggravates teeth grinding so try and avoid the consumption of alcoholic drinks. It is also best to stop habits of chewing hard objects as this will make the teeth accustomed to grinding. Rest your tongue between the teeth and hold a warm washcloth against the check to relax jaw muscles and prevent the impulse to grind teeth.
Signs of bruxism are not always noticeable and some preventative methods are not always effective. Consult a dentist to assess your teeth and determine the right treatment for you. Danny de Villiers Dentist has a wealth of knowledge and experience when it comes to bruxism and other teeth problems. We conduct comprehensive dental treatments to help you maintain your dental health and smile with confidence. Contact us for more information about bruxism.

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