Bruxism
Do you clench or grind your teeth?
Approximately 44 million Americans suffer from chronic teeth grinding and clenching, a condition called bruxism, which often results in tooth damage. Many people are unaware that they are grinding their teeth because it most often happens while they sleep. They may wake with a headache, toothache, earache or sore muscles of the jaw and head region. But often, the condition goes undetected until the affected individual is alerted by a family member or by a dentist who notices symptoms..
What is Bruxism?
Bruxism affects men, women and children and can develop at any age. Three out of 10 kids grind or clench their teeth usually before the age of 5. Although the exact causes of bruxism are not well documented, several factors are involved. With children, the condition can be a response to jaw growth, losing or getting new teeth, ailments such as allergies or ear infections, malocclusion or airway obstruction. In children as well as adults, stress often contributes to bruxism. Other factors include sleeping problems, an abnormal bite or a collapsed bite and airway due to missing teeth.
Effects of Bruxism:
In rare cases, bruxism does not cause any damage. But if the grinding is severe and frequent, it can result in worn down tooth enamel, chipped teeth, abractions (pictured above), increase in temperature sensitivity, erosion of gums and supporting bones, breakage of fillings or other dental work, TMJ dysfunction, and muscle tension in the face, head and shoulder regions. All of which have a negative impact on the appearance of the patients smile.
Diagnosis and treatment:
At Contemporary Family Dentistry, one of our areas of expertise is in the diagnosis and treatment of bruxism. Regular dental checkups are important to detect damage in the early stages. We can diagnose and treat irregular wear on teeth and determine the source of the facial pain that may result from bruxism.
Based on the examination and diagnosis, one or more treatments may be recommended. A custom-made appliance can be worn while sleeping. Designed to fit your teeth, the custom-made appliance is a small, simple device that fits securely and comfortably on your upper teeth or lower front teeth and prevents contact between the upper and lower molars. Other treatments may involve reducing high spots on the teeth to even the bite or possibly reshaping the biting surfaces with inlays or crowns. In some cases of daytime bruxism, a small appliance that fits the lower front teeth is also necessary.