Wearing a mouthguard is the most common way to help with teeth-grinding. This dental appliance protects teeth from developing enamel erosion. It also helps disperse the pressure to reduce dental and jaw pain. If you want to know if a mouthguard is the only teeth-grinding treatment available, here are the details.
A patient with a teeth-grinding problem can resort to this treatment instead of wearing a mouthguard. Reductive coronoplasty can level or reshape the biting surfaces of teeth. This procedure could be effective if it is a result of crooked teeth, crowding, or misalignment. Some patients may need additive coronoplasty. This second procedure can build up the dental structure.
In some cases, teeth-grinding can result from mental health issues. Anxiety, stress, and depression may become overwhelming to some people. Wearing a mouthguard can help protect teeth and jaw. But targeting one of the root causes can be a good treatment as well.
Yoga can reduce depression. Meditation can lower pain, depression, anxiety, and stress. Talk therapy is also an ideal way to target teeth-grinding. Speaking to a counselor, therapist, or psychiatrist can help. Regular exercise can release endorphins in the brain. These neurotransmitters can help lower stress.
Studies show that botulinum toxin can reduce teeth-grinding frequency and pain. Discussing this with the dentist can help determine if the patient qualifies for this treatment. This can be a good option if the patient is not scared of needles. Otherwise, a mouthguard would be more acceptable.
This procedure involves injecting small amounts of the toxin into the jaw muscles. The injections cannot cure teeth-grinding. It can only relax the muscle. This treatment may relieve teeth-grinding and the headaches from it. The relief from the injections can last for three to four months.
These exercises can be a good alternative to wearing a mouthguard. They can help relax the facial and jaw muscles. The repetitive motions can also maintain the proper jaw alignment. The patient can do these exercises at work or at home with the watchful eye of a physical therapist. Wearing the mouthguard after the exercises is also an option.
Stretching exercises can loosen the jaw muscles. Gentle jaw massage also has the same effect. Applying hot packs can widen the blood vessels in the jaw area. This has a relaxing effect. It can prevent the jaw from clenching, especially at night.
This technique helps the individual become aware of the behavior. In doing so, the patient can learn to stop this behavior. This can be effective in stopping awake and sleep teeth-grinding. The patient can wear a mouthguard while going through this treatment. Biofeedback can teach the patient how to control the jaw muscles. Wearing a mouthguard during the treatment can help protect the teeth and jaw.
Teeth-grinding happens in many people. Treating it in its early stages is vital in preventing serious complications. Available treatments can help target the root causes of teeth-grinding. Wearing a mouthguard can support them by protecting the teeth as you go through these alternative therapies.
Are you considering getting a mouthguard in the Houston area? Get more information at https://www.houstonpersonaldentist.com.
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