Although your body is made of numerous parts and systems, they are all connected. When a health condition arises and is left untreated, it can affect a seemingly unrelated issue and compound the damage. Two common oral concerns are gum disease, affecting over half of all Americans, and teeth grinding in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, which affects more than 30 percent of the population. * When gum disease (periodontal disease) and teeth grinding (bruxism) combine, they can accelerate the damage caused by each, creating a harmful effect to your oral health.
The Effects of Gum Disease can be Accelerated by Bruxism
Gum disease is a progressive condition that attacks your soft and hard tissues within your mouth. If left untreated, the disease becomes incurable and without regular maintenance to keep it in check, can cause severe jaw bone deterioration, gum recession and even cause teeth to fall out. The last thing you need is for this condition to be accelerated, but for those who suffer from constant teeth grinding in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, that acceleration is likely.
Many of those who suffer from bruxism grind their teeth subconsciously. When this occurs to an already weakened oral structure, the damage can be more severe. Teeth with little bone and gum support due to gum disease become loose quicker and periodontal pockets deepen from the constant stress of grinding. Many times, those who suffer from one condition are also more susceptible to developing the other if they do not seek treatment.
Treatments to Save Your Smile
Drs. Tom and Mark McCawley offer a minimally invasive treatment to this destructive combination through the use of laser therapy. Laser therapy is proven to be effective at eliminating the harmful bacteria that causes gum disease, without the need of scalpels or sutures. By treating gum disease early, the risk of developing bruxism is minimized. Drs. McCawley also offer effective treatments for bruxism to help prevent teeth grinding in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.
If you are concerned about the state of your oral health, schedule an appointment with us today for an in-depth gum disease and bruxism examination.
*Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23630682; https://www.perio.org/consumer/cdc-study.htm