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Do you Grind your teeth?

 

Do you often wake up with a dull headache or a sore jaw? Do you find sometimes yourself clenching your teeth? Until you experience pain or have a dental check-up, you may not realize that you have a condition called “bruxism”, a habit of grinding or clenching the teeth.

Many people are unaware that they grind their teeth because they do it while they sleep. Bruxism often occurs in the early part of the night and can disturb sleep partners. The clenching and grinding may be quite audible.
Others make no sound while bruxing their teeth and do not realize they are doing it until the dentist discovers unusual wear spots on their teeth.

Bruxism may be mild and occasional or aggressive and frequent

 

People who grind or clench their teeth may wake up with a headache, earache, or toothache. Their facial muscles may be sore and the jaw joints tender. Besides causing discomfort, grinding can eventually damage dental restorations and may loosen teeth. Bruxism also can cause damage to the temporomandibular joints – the joints on each side of the mouth that connect the lower jaw to the skull. The pressure from clenching and grinding can cause cracks or fractures in the teeth. As the tooth enamel is worn away, the underlying layer of dentin may be exposed. This causes the tooth to be sensitive to temperature changes and pressure.

Bruxism can develop at any age

 

Pain or discomfort from colds, ear infections, allergies, and other ailments may cause children to grind their teeth. Although the causes of bruxism are not really known, several factors may be involved.

Stressful situations, problems in sleeping, an abnormal bite, and crooked or missing teeth may contribute.

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 facial pain that may result from bruxism. Based on our diagnosis, one or more treatments may be recommended.

We may suggest a night guard that can be worn while sleeping

 

Custom-made from soft material to fit your teeth, the night-guard slips over the teeth in one jaw and prevents contact with the opposite teeth. The night guard relieves some of the pressure of grinding and clenching. If stress seems to be a major reason for bruxism, it may be helpful to find ways to relax, such as listening to music, reading a book, taking a walk, or enjoying a warm bath. Applying a warm, wet washcloth to the side of the face may help relax muscles that have become sore from clenching. If you have difficulties handling stress, counseling may point to effective ways of dealing with stressful situations.

An abnormal bite, one in which teeth do not fit well together, may lead to grinding. Treatment may involve reducing the “high spots” on one or more teeth. For serious cases, we may suggest reshaping or reconstructing the biting surfaces with inlays or crowns.

Grinding is a common occurrence for many people at some time or another. If you routinely grind your teeth, please inform our team.

HIGHLIGHTS

 

  • Often patients who grind their teeth at night are unaware of their habit, but the forces exerted on both the teeth and the Temporo Mandibular Joint (TMJ) can be quite destructive.
  • A custom-made night guard can protect the teeth and relieve pressure on the TMJ.
  • For those patients that suffer from dental anxiety, we offer Conscious Sedation to help you feel more relaxed during treatment.

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