Involuntary grinding and clenching of teeth are among people’s usual reactions to fear, shock, and anger. For some, they experience this throughout the day as a response to stress.
These involuntary teeth clenching and grinding movements are called bruxism, which people can experience at any time. Some may experience this while awake and be unaware they do it when asleep at night. Usually, the force you exert during sleep bruxism is powerful, leading to severe jaw and teeth problems. This issue needs proper treatment to prevent further oral damage.
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Bruxism is a condition of voluntarily and involuntarily clenching and grinding of teeth. This can be frequent during sleep. Even in the daytime, bruxism can still happen, especially to anxious individuals.
Personality type and too much stress are among the most common reasons for bruxism. Those dealing with tension, frustration, pain, or anger, and people who are overly competitive and aggressive are the ones that usually experience this condition.
Imbalance in neurotransmitters of the brain is also another cause of bruxism, according to research. It could also be one of the side effects of some antidepressants such as paroxetine and fluoxetine.
Teeth grinding will eventually erode the enamel necessary to protect and shine your teeth. This condition makes it one of the most common negative aspects of bruxism. With the voluntary or involuntary grinding, your teeth are likely to develop several conditions like dulling, staining, or yellowing of teeth, or worse, development of dental infections in the long run. Some complications of bruxism are damaged teeth and even tooth loss.
It is not a surprise that people experience teeth grinding while they are asleep at night. That is why they often have no idea they do until one of their family members or their significant other tells them about it. Some of the most common symptoms of bruxism are having a sore jaw or constant headache.
You should consult your dentist if you experience or have been told you experience bruxism so he can evaluate your mouth and jaw.
Here are the following reasons why bruxism should be treated:
Gum Recession and Tooth Loss
The most common dental problems caused by bruxism are tooth loss and gum recession. Initially the soft tissues get damaged, then bacteria grow and eventually damage supporting bones, leading to tooth loss.
Occlusal Trauma
Due to unusual wear patterns on the occlusal surfaces, teeth get fractured and require restorative care.
Arthritis
Severe and chronic bruxism cases can cause severe arthritis in the Temporomandibular joints (TMJ), the joint that allows for the jaw’s smooth opening.
Myofascial Pain
Grinding shortens your teeth and causes them to become blunt. Aside from that, it causes myofascial pain and crippling headaches.
Dental Options for Bruxism
There are several tools and devices used to treat bruxism. The following are among the most common ways to cure bruxism:
Mouthguards
Acrylic mouthguards lessen the abrasive action of teeth surfaces while you are asleep. Dentists prescribe long-term wearing of mouthguards to keep temporomandibular joint and tooth damage at bay. Aside from that, they also balance the occlusion.
Botox®
Botox is injected into a facial muscle to weaken or relax it. It is very helpful in preventing the teeth from grinding. Rest assured, it does not and will not affect your daily and necessary activities such as speaking and chewing.
Other procedures to enhance and restore your smile after managing bruxism include crown lengthening, gum grafting, crowns and veneers.
He Listens to His Patients
Dr. Hakimi carefully asks you about your dental and medical background for him to be able to safely provide dental treatment and to achieve your desired outcomes. He puts utmost importance into answering your questions and discussing the possible results, facts, and recovery options so that you get to decipher your best choice ultimately. He will always provide you with information on the best course of treatment, when there are multiple treatment options.
The main aim of bruxism treatment is to minimize grinding, alleviate discomfort, and prevent permanent structural tooth damage and loss.
Clean, Safe, Private Treatment
Our sterilization equipment and all other dental equipment is regularly maintained and sanitized. Our team is educated on all necessary protocols. Our X-rays take pictures with better medical quality and minimal radiation. Besides that, our rooms are private, so you get to have privacy and full confidence in talking with Dr. Hakimi.
Dr. Hakimi’s comprehensive preparation and commitment to professionalism allow him to deliver unparalleled dental services to his patients. Visit our office online or call us at (604)-574-4000 to hear more about the advanced treatments we offer!
Chronic teeth grinding can subsequently lead to fractured or loosened tooth, and sometimes even tooth loss. This is because grinding can cause extreme wear. Without intervention, this can lead to requiring further dental work that is usually more invasive.
The most common reasons for teeth grinding are abnormal bite or missing or crooked teeth. The condition is triggered by stress and anxiety and usually happens during sleep. Sometimes, sleep apnea can also be a factor in its occurrence.
You should consult a dentist to examine your mouth and jaw and evaluate to see if there are signs of bruxism like jaw tenderness and teeth abnormalities.
Mouthguards and splints work to equally distribute the pressure across your jaw. They also prevent your upper and lower teeth from grinding and further damaging one another. Not to mention, they also lessen the grinding noise you make while asleep at night.
Most of the time, bruxism does not cause serious dental issues. However, if it becomes severe and is not treated, it may eventually damage your teeth, restorations, crowns, jaw, and even lead to terrible headaches.
Kids usually outgrow bruxism even without undergoing any treatment. Some adults with minor bruxism may not require treatment and it may diminish over time. However, if the bruxism is severe and consistent, you should have dental therapies to protect your teeth from further damage and alleviate your jaw discomfort.
Bruxism is natural for growing and developing children. Meaning, this case is inevitable. However, teeth grinding that is triggered by stress among children and adults can be avoided. To lessen the likelihood of bruxism happening at night, it is helpful to set a calm bedtime routine.
Fortunately, most children outgrow this condition. The grinding gets less and less between six years to nine years old and finally stops at around nine to twelve years old.
Your dentist will discuss your treatment options after he has evaluated your teeth and jaw. Some cases do not need treatments or therapy, but bad ones usually require mouthguards or further treatment.
You will be able to notice an improvement in your bruxism when you also notice the symptoms subsiding. Your dentist will also be able to see if bruxism is causing further issues such as wear on your teeth, or if the negative effects have stopped. Contact us today to arrange your visit with Dr. Hakimi to discuss your bruxism needs.