Dentist Rathmines Dr. Mary O'Neill
01 4977478
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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.

Causes of Bruxism
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
  • 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.
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