Bruxism and Cracked Teeth

This has been an extremely stressful year, and unfortunately, many people are taking out their frustration on their teeth. Dentists across the country are noticing an increase in bruxism and tooth damage. At the South Carthay office of Dr. Suzanne Haeri, we provide dental restorations as well as cosmetic work, and we often repair teeth that have cracked or chipped. But in order to prevent further damage, people need to understand how stress impacts them and how to protect their smiles.

 

Bruxism is what we call it when people grind their teeth or clench their jaws in their sleep. Although it may be caused by breathing obstructions, the increasing prominence of bruxism is likely due to psychological strain. Grinding can cause tooth enamel to be worn down or to split. Small cracks in the dental crown may be merely a cosmetic issue, but deeper ones can expose the sensitive pulp to intolerable hot and cold, and a crack into the pulp itself can become an avenue for pathogens to enter the bloodstream.

 

A small crack can be covered by a veneer, and a small chip can be filled with an artificial crown. But if a crack goes deep we’d have to perform a root canal to protect the patient from infection, and if a crack is too large for a partial crown to stay in place, we’d have to provide a full artificial crown. All of these treatments only work when the crack is limited to the crown; if it goes into the root, the whole tooth will need to be replaced. Prosthetic teeth are meant to last, but bruxism can damage them, too. A patient suffering from bruxism may also need to get a night guard, which is worn over the teeth during sleep to prevent them from rubbing together. They may also want to try jaw-stretching exercises and mental relaxation techniques before bed.

 

The dental office of Suzanne Haeri, DDS, is located at 1100 S La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, California, 90035. To schedule an appointment, call 310-657-2200 or visit our website at Suzanne Haeri DDS.