Why Grinding Your Teeth Can Create the Need for Emergency Dental Care - Smilow Family Dentistry, P.C. Springfield Township New Jersey (2024)

Teeth grinding is a fairly common issue, and many do not even realize it is an issue until emergency dental care is needed. Since it takes place at night when most might not notice, it is encouraged to become familiar with the signs of teeth grinding and understand how it can lead to severe oral health concerns.

Teeth grinding and emergency dental care

If teeth grinding becomes severe or occurs for an extended period of time then it can eventually cause a dental injury that requires emergency dental care. The following is a detailed explanation of how teeth grinding can damage teeth and when to consider visiting an emergency dentist for treatment.

An overview of teeth grinding (bruxism)

Teeth grinding is also called bruxism and it refers to clenching the jaw in a manner that causes teeth to grind against one another. It often occurs at night, although it can also occur during the day due to stress or bite-related concerns. It is most often involuntary and hard to prevent, particularly if it takes place at night.

Signs and symptoms of teeth grinding

Teeth grinding symptoms look different for everyone, but there are symptoms that are more common. It is important to check for the symptoms and seek a prevention plan to avoid the need for emergency dental care. Several of the more common signs of bruxism include:

• Jaw pain and stiffness
• Worn-down teeth
• Damaged teeth
• Facial pain
• Earache
• Headache

Bruxism can affect the teeth, jaw and face. When checking for symptoms, look for flat and worn-down teeth, especially on the premolars and molars. If teeth damage exists, such as chips, cracks or loose teeth, consider emergency dental care or schedule a visit with a dentist if the symptoms are minor and tolerable.

When teeth grinding is a dental emergency

As mentioned, minor to moderate symptoms of teeth grinding may not be cause for emergency dental care. However, teeth grinding that leads to cracked or chipped teeth that cause more severe pain or sensitivity may require prompt dental treatment. Teeth grinding can also cause a dental restoration to come out, which is often considered a dental emergency. Any time teeth grinding leads to symptoms that are intolerable or pose a risk of worsening, it is likely that emergency dental care is needed.

How emergency dental care can help

Emergency dentists offer a range of treatment options for the symptoms of teeth grinding. They can repair chips and cracks, restore lost fillings and help patients manage pain and sensitivity. When visiting a general dentist days or weeks later is not an option, emergency dental care is the best way to get the treatment that is needed.

Find out more about emergency dental care for teeth grinding

When suffering from moderate to severe symptoms from teeth grinding, it may be best to undergo emergency dental care. The pain and sensitivity that comes with bruxism can produce long-term effects, some of which are irreversible. Reach out today to learn more or to get started with emergency dental care.

Request an appointment here: https://smilowfamilydentistry.com or call Smilow Family Dentistry, P.C. at (973) 379-2202 for an appointment in our Springfield Township office.

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