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Bruxism (Teeth Grinding and Clenching) |
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Patients often attend our office with complaints of waking up with tired and aching jaws, sore teeth and headaches. Most often, this is as a result of “Bruxism”. This is a condition in which people grind or clench their teeth, especially at night while sleeping. It can cause severe damage to the teeth by wearing them down and can also result in detrimental effects to the underlying bone and supporting tissues. These patients also often complain of more sensitive teeth and receding gums.
Symptoms may include:
· Abraded teeth · Facial pain · Oversenstitive teeth · Tense jaw and facial muscles · Headaches · Dislocation of the jaw · Damage to tooth enamel · Tongue indentations · Damage to the inside of the cheek
The reason people generally clench or grind is to due to Stress. In some individuals, stress manifests itself by causing stomach pain or backaches, while others simply Brux. The objective of treating Bruxism is to separate or disocclude the teeth in order to prevent damage to the edges of the teeth and the periodontal ligaments below. Having a balanced bite can aid significantly in reducing the damage caused by Bruxing. Therefore, there may be a requirement to occlusally adjust or refine the biting surfaces of the teeth so that they are more in balance and reduce subsequent damage to the dentition and the Temporo-mandibular joint. ( The joint that hinges the lower jaw to the skull)
We can fabricate a nightguard in order to reduce the impact bruxing has on your teeth. We take accurate impressions of your upper and lower teeth and have our lab make a thermoplastic nightguard which covers them, keeping them from coming together and causing further damage when you grind or clench. The appliance does not cure the habit, but merely protects the teeth from further deterioration.
We also institute behaviour modification to assist the patient in assuming the correct jaw posture. It is possible to teach the patient how to rest the tongue and teeth properly. The tongue should be placed upward towards to front part of the palate with the lips lightly in contact and the teeth slightly apart.
Sometimes a malocclusion or misaligned bite can cause the habit, and therefore may necessitate the intervention of an orthodontist. If this is deemed appropriate we would supply a referral to a specialist.
If you suspect that you have Bruxism, or a similar habit, please do not hesitate to contact our office for analysis. |
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