Bruxism (Clenching/Grinding Teeth )
Bruxism is the unconscious act of clenching and/or grinding of the teeth.
It is estimated that at least 10% of the population will suffer from bruxism at any one time. This percentage also seems to be increasing.
It is estimated that at least 10% of the population will suffer from bruxism at any one time. This percentage also seems to be increasing.
Causes of Bruxism
The causes of bruxism is not fully known, though several conditions are known to be linked to bruxism.
These include:
The causes of bruxism is not fully known, though several conditions are known to be linked to bruxism.
These include:
- Stress
- Sleep disorders such as snoring & sleep apneoa
- Drinking alcohol excessively before going to sleep
- Smoking
- Drug use
- Depression or other anxiety related disorder
Effects of teeth grinding or clenching
There are a number of different effects.
These range from
Tooth wear & breakage
Wear will occur on the biting edges of teeth. Bruxism can also chip teeth, crack teeth, loosen or break fillings, crowns and veneers, or damage the nerve in teeth.
Temporomandibular Joint Pain
This often results from frequent periods of bruxing. Clenching/grinding the teeth puts pressure on the jaw joint(Temporomandibular joint) and the muscles around the jaw. It can cause a lot of pain and difficulty with chewing.
These range from
- Headaches - Bruxism sufferers are three times more likely to suffer from headaches
- Jaw joint and jaw muscles aches
- Difficulty with opening the mouth
- Tooth wear and breakage
- Sleep disruption
Tooth wear & breakage
Wear will occur on the biting edges of teeth. Bruxism can also chip teeth, crack teeth, loosen or break fillings, crowns and veneers, or damage the nerve in teeth.
Temporomandibular Joint Pain
This often results from frequent periods of bruxing. Clenching/grinding the teeth puts pressure on the jaw joint(Temporomandibular joint) and the muscles around the jaw. It can cause a lot of pain and difficulty with chewing.
Treatment
There is no cure for bruxism. However reducing stress levels or improving sleep patterns may help many suffers. For suffers night guards can protect the teeth.
Nightguards
Here at Dentist Rathmines we can provide custom made nightguards, which fit over the teeth in one jaw and prevent contact with the teeth in the opposing jaw. This nightguard relieves the pressure of grinding or clenching and helps protect the teeth.
