6317 Fairview Avenue, Suite B Westmont , IL 60559
(630) 852-5353
TEETH GRINDING (BRUXISM)
Our team of dental specialists and staff strive to improve the overall health of our patients by focusing on preventing, diagnosing and treating conditions associated with your teeth and gums. Please use our dental library to learn more about dental problems and treatments available. If you have questions or need to schedule an appointment, contact us
FLUORIDE
A SHIELD FOR YOUR TEETH
The main use of fluoride in the past has been to protect teeth during development and eruption, but research has now shown that fluoride helps protect erupted teeth in the battle against tooth decay. Here are just some of the benefits of fluoride for adults also.
- Are you currently taking medications that cause dry mouth? A decrease in saliva can increase the risk for decay. Fluoride treatments can help reduce the risk of decay.
- Have we discussed exposed root surfaces with you? Root surfaces are extremely susceptible to decay and decay can travel quickly through the root. Professional fluoride treatments help make roots stronger and resistant to decay.
- - Have you needed a restoration due to decay in the last year? A professional fluoride treatment 1-2 times a year can greatly reduce your risk of decay.
- Do you currently have any crowns or bridges in your mouth? Fluoride can help protect the margins of these restorations and potentially eliminate decay around the margins.
- Are you currently undergoing or going to receive head and neck radiation? Radiation damages salivary glands, which causes an extreme reduction in salivary flow. Saliva is an important component in the fight against tooth decay.
- Are you experiencing sensitivity? Fluoride can help reduce the pain and discomfort caused by exposed root surfaces.
If you answered yes to any of the above questions, you could greatly benefit from a professionally applied fluoride treatment. Ask Beki, Holly, Kate or Bobbi and they will be happy to answer any additional questions you may have!!
However, teeth grinding can literally transform your bite relationship and worse, severely damage your teeth and jaws over long periods of time.
Teeth grinding can cause abrasion to the chewing surfaces of your teeth. This abnormal wear and tear will prematurely age and loosen your teeth, and open them to problems such as hypersensitivity (from the small cracks that form, exposing your dentin.) Bruxism can also lead to chronic jaw and facial pain, as well as headaches.
If no one has told you that you grind your teeth, here are a few clues that you may suffer from bruxism:
- Your jaw is often sore, or you hear popping sounds when you open and close your mouth.
- Your teeth look abnormally short or worn down.
- You notice small dents in your tongue.