Cedar Falls Cosmetic Dentist Explains the Importance of Treating Bite Disorders

CEDAR FALLS, IA--(Marketwired - May 27, 2014) - Thomas Strub, DDS, PC, a cosmetic dentist in Cedar Falls, recently drafted a blog post on his website titled, "Do I Have A Bite Disorder?" to explain the symptoms of bruxism, and how it can be treated. In the post, Dr. Strub says bruxism (teeth grinding or clenching) affects many people, but it is often left untreated due to lack of awareness of the disorder. He adds that if people with bruxism are not properly treated, they can experience pain in and around the jaw, weaken the functionality their teeth by wearing them down, and, in severe cases, possibly lose their teeth.

The Cedar Falls dentist explains that bite disorders can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, missing teeth, teeth that have shifted out of their normal position, stress, trauma to the teeth or jaw, sleeping disorders, poor dental treatment, bad habits, defects in the neurological synapses in the brain, and/or certain medications. He says clenching or grinding the teeth repeatedly over time can break down the masticatory muscles and temporomandibular joints (TMJ) in the jaw, causing muscle pain and/or the inability to fully open the jaw. Additional symptoms of bite disorders that Dr. Strub highlights in his blog include:

• Discomfort in the facial muscles
• "Worn down" or fractured teeth
• Locking of the jaw
• Upper backaches, headaches, and neck aches

Regarding treatment for bruxism, Dr. Strub notes that techniques will vary depending on which part of the jaw or mouth is affected, as well as the cause and amount of damage. At his practice, bite disorder treatments may include: the use of bite appliances (night guards and/or braces), physical therapy, muscle exercises, muscle relaxants or pain medication, softer diets, and/or moist heat applied to affected areas. Additionally, he says equilibration -- polishing down some of the hills and valleys on the teeth to make them fit together and improve functionality -- or using porcelain dental bridges, tooth colored fillings, porcelain crowns, or dental implants to restore the contours of the teeth or replace missing teeth can also help to improve bite issues.

Ultimately, Dr. Strub urges people suspecting they may be affected by a bite disorder to seek treatment from an experienced dentist, adding that continuous, excessive force on the teeth from clenching and grinding can break down the teeth, muscles, and joints around the mouth. If forces on the teeth are controlled, he says patients may be on their way to maintaining good oral health and teeth functionality for a lifetime.

About Thomas Strub, DDS, PC
Dr. Strub earned his dental degree from the University of Iowa School of Dentistry and has been in solo practice since 1981. He has volunteered on several different mission trips to provide dental care for people in need in places like India, Honduras, and Panama. Dr. Strub serves on the Board of Directors at Sartori Hospital and is a member of several respected dental organizations, including the American Dental Association and the Iowa Dental Association, among others. He is available for interview upon request.

To learn more about Dr. Strub and his practice, please visit strubdds.com or facebook.com/StrubDDS.

To view the original source of this press release, click here: http://www.strubdds.com/news-room/cedar-falls-cosmetic-dentist-explains-the-importance-of-treating-bite-disorders/