Learn More About Bruxism
Many individuals are unaware of the possible risks that teeth grinding can do. At the same time, others suffer from it but don’t even know it until their oral health has been compromised.
Grinding and clenching your teeth unconsciously during awake or sleeping hours is medically known as bruxism. If left unaddressed, the problem may lead to serious dental complications: damage to your teeth, gums, and jaw can occur.
Hills Family Dental Centre offers various treatments that may help control the adverse effects of bruxism. The dental professionals in our office create custom-made dental appliances that can fit comfortably in your mouth and protect your teeth from unconscious grinding. We also offer comprehensive treatment approaches that may help you with managing the condition.
Common Causes of
Bruxism
Stress and anxiety
When a person is under great stress, they may find themselves clenching or grinding their teeth without even realizing it. It can become a habit over time and develops bruxism.
Certain medications
Recent studies have discussed that some medicines, such as antidepressants and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are linked with bruxism. Such can produce side effects that may potentially trigger bruxism.
Disorders
Snoring and sleep-related disorders, epilepsy, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other disorders may cause increased stress and anxiety, leading to teeth grinding.
Cigarettes and other substances
Smoking cigarettes, using tobacco products, drinking caffeinated beverages or alcohol, or using recreational drugs are some substances that can have side effects that include jitteriness, irritability, and anxiety, which may contribute to developing bruxism.
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Dental Services That
Can Address Bruxism
Mouthguards are designed to serve as a barrier between your upper and lower teeth.
A night guard is a dental appliance that you can wear during sleep.
The approach to addressing bruxism may be based on the underlying cause.
It absorbs the pressure and cushions your jaw muscles. The dentist in our practice customised them using the impression of your teeth.
It protects and reduces pressure on the jaw and prevents damage to the tooth enamel. If you think a night guard could be right for you, talk to the dentist in Hills Family Dental Centre about finding the right fit.
Depending on your particular condition, a combination of treatments may be recommended to help you manage your teeth grinding. The dentist can make a personalised treatment plan to meet your needs.
We can customise dental crowns to address the damage and restore its strength. These are tooth-colored “caps” that can be attached to the top of a tooth.
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Frequently Asked Questions
About Bruxism
What are the signs that I grind my teeth at night?
Many people don’t know that they are experiencing bruxism at night, which can lead to them not getting enough restful sleep. Some of the common signs or symptoms you may notice when you awake may include the following:
- Ear, neck, or facial pain
- Restlessness
- Morning headaches
- Stiff shoulders
- Painful jaw or soreness
- Clicking or popping noises when you move the jaw.
- Tooth damage (worn out, chips, cracks)
- Inner cheek damage
- Loose teeth
- Sensitive teeth
How long will it take for my dentist to address bruxism?
A dentist can address problems from bruxism as soon as possible. While there is no absolute medicine or treatment to stop the condition, different or a combination of approaches can reduce its frequency and prevent possible irreversible damage which may hurt your oral function.
The duration of response may vary greatly depending on personal circumstances. It can take a few months or so. Nevertheless, it is always recommended that you see a dentist to get an estimated timeline. Also, they can be able to monitor if your bruxism is not doing any serious harm to your teeth. In addition, they may give you some helpful tips on easing the discomfort caused by teeth grinding.
What will happen if I don't manage my bruxism?
Bruxism can be harmful to your oral health, and it may lead to permanent or long-term problems if left unaddressed for a long time:
- You may notice that your teeth become flat, chipped, broken, or shorter. Such instances can affect your smile significantly.
- Broken teeth due to bruxism may result in increased sensitivity.
- An aggressive but unconscious chewing motion force may break your dental restoration, causing them to fail and require another replacement.
- The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is responsible for allowing your jaw to move. Too much grinding may stress this area leading to painful symptoms, including muscle tension around your neck and face and difficulty speaking or opening your mouth.
- The constant grinding motion stresses the gums and soft tissues that hold the teeth intact. Over time, this damage can loosen the teeth and cause them to fall gnashing your teeth may put too much pressure on your gums, leading to soreness and redness.
- Gnashing your teeth may put too much pressure on your gums, leading to soreness and redness.
Will bruxism go away on its own?
Many people who suffer from bruxism assume that the condition will subside on its own, but this is rarely the case. It can be a complex problem with many possible causes, and the longer it goes unchecked, the more challenging it becomes to address.
The good news is that the prognosis for bruxism can be generally good with early diagnosis and treatment. However, it is important to remember that success depends largely on the condition’s underlying cause.
