Dental Services
General and Preventive Dentistry
The Crux of Bruxism
Some patients react to stress by grinding their teeth unconsciously
during the day or, more commonly, while sleeping. The constant pressure
and motion can harm teeth, as well as muscles and tissues in and around
the jaw. The condition, known as bruxism, can be
remedied with a nightguard.
The Facts About Clenching & Grinding
Common
symptoms of bruxism include a sore jaw, headaches, or
earaches. Causes vary, but may include stress, anxiety, tension,
misaligned teeth, posture, diet, sleeping habits, and other factors.
Bruxism is most prevalent in women and generally found
in about one-third of the population.
Individuals who react to stress with anger, pain, frustration,
aggression, or competition are most commonly affected. People with
bruxism may have other biting habits, such as biting
fingernails, pencils, lips, or the insides of their cheeks.
Constant clenching and grinding of the teeth cannot only cause the
aforementioned symptoms, but it may also contribute to TMJ
(temporomandibular joint) dysfunction, which has a long list of side
effects associated with pain in the head and neck. Teeth rubbing
together consistently will result in surface wear over time, which will
cause dental problems. Insomnia, eating disorders, and depression can
result from bruxism left untreated.
A Solid Solution
How can you stop an unconscious
habit? A thorough evaluation will allow us to check your teeth, tissues,
and muscles. If we determine that you suffer from bruxism,
we'll create an orthotic appliance, also called a nightguard or splint,
to prevent grinding and clenching. Many types of nightguards exist, and
patients react differently to the various styles. If one appliance does
not work, another may. In many cases, simply wearing a nightguard will
eliminate the problem. However, if the condition persists, we can
prescribe alternative therapies to correct the issue.
Some practices that can relieve symptoms of bruxism
include stress and anxiety management, focused facial relaxation,
massage and stretching of face and neck muscles, applying ice or wet
heat, proper rest, eating soft foods, and hydrating the body. If your
teeth were damaged because of bruxism, or if we find
TMJ to be a factor, our team will repair and treat you
to provide complete relief.
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