Bruxism is a serious problem. It can cause damage to the teeth, the gums and the jaw. It can cause pain and it can create a myriad of problems. It is never something to ignore. One of the problems that bruxism causes is broken or lost teeth. It makes people who wear dentures wonder if they still have to worry about the problems associated with bruxism.
Understanding Bruxism
Bruxism is the name given to people who grind their teeth. Most people think that teeth grinding is only a problem at night while they sleep. Actually, the problem of bruxism affects people throughout the whole day. People who suffer from bruxism also can clench their teeth when they concentrate or when they do other things during the day. They may not realize the pressure that they put on their teeth and gums when they do this, but the potential for damage is always there.
Bruxism affects the way the jaw works. People who suffer from this condition tend to bite down harder than others do when they are eating or talking. All these things lead to problems with the teeth.
Bruxism and Dentures
People may think because they take their dentures out at night, that bruxism will not impact them. Taking the teeth out does not stop the person from clenching their jaw muscles. Without the dentures in place, bruxism can impact the gums and the jaw while the person sleeps.
The fact that people tend to bite down harder or clench their teeth during the day, puts the dentures at risk while the person is awake. It is possible for a person to break, chip or crack the dentures in the same way that bruxism does it to natural teeth.
The good news is that there are steps people can take =to deal with bruxism. Even if they wear dentures, they still need to manage the bruxism.
For more information about this or any other oral health issue, contact the dental professionals at our office.