All About Teeth Grinding and How Your Dentist Can Help With Bruxism
Family dentists want to do everything they can to ensure their patients’ teeth are protected. While you might think your dentist focuses only on cavities and plaque removal, there are a number of different oral health conditions that can put your teeth in jeopardy. One of these conditions is known as bruxism. You might not have heard this term before, but you may be all too familiar with the symptoms. In today’s post, we’ll talk about bruxism, what causes it, and how family dentists can assist with treatment.
What is Bruxism?
“Bruxism” is the technical name for a disorder that’s characterized by clenching, grinding, or gnashing of the teeth. If you wake each morning with a clenched or sore jaw and you’ve noticed your teeth may be more sensitive than usual, it’s possible that bruxism may be to blame.
Some patients experience bruxism during the day, but many people engage in teeth grinding or jaw clenching during the night. The most common symptoms associated with bruxism include:
- Jaw or facial pain
- Tired or tight jaw muscles
- Headaches or ear aches
- Exacerbated TMJ symptoms (like jaw clicking or locking)
- Tooth sensitivity
- Sleep disturbances
- Chipped or worn-down teeth
What Causes Teeth Grinding or Clenching?
There are a number of factors that can lead to bruxism, but there is no single, specific cause. Excessive stress and anxiety, sleep disorders, and higher levels of aggression can cause bruxism. So can jaw abnormalities or misaligned teeth. Alcohol, drug, caffeine, and tobacco consumption can also play a role in bruxism development. Sleep apnea and snoring may be part of the picture, as well.
Keep in mind that most people experience teeth grinding or clenching at some point during their lives. When these behaviors become consistent, it’s important to take action. Over time, chronic teeth grinding can cause jaw pain and TMJ problems or result in loss or worn-down teeth. It can also change the appearance of your face. Family dentistry professionals may have even seen patients who need to be fitted for dental bridges, implants, or full dentures as a result of bruxism. Although 15% of the edentulous population has dentures made every year, it’s best for your dentist to intervene before you reach this point to protect your oral health.
How Can Family Dentists Treat Bruxism?
In some cases, patients who experience bruxism may simply grow out of the disorder. Many family dentists see this occur in young people; they may grind their teeth or clench their jaws as children but may stop exhibiting symptoms during adolescence. Adult patients may also show decreased signs of bruxism if they reduce their stress levels or make healthy lifestyle changes, such as discontinuing drug or alcohol use.
However, even those who lead healthy lifestyles may experience teeth grinding or clenching. If you’ve already cut back on alcohol and caffeine consumption, you may want to avoid chewing gum, use a warm washcloth to relax your jaw muscles, or engage in physical exercises to relieve jaw tension. It’s also a good idea to speak to your dentist about treatment options. Your dentist may be able to fit you for a customized mouth guard, which can protect your teeth at night and keep you from grinding or clenching. In more extreme cases, orthodontic adjustments or surgical procedures may be recommended.
Any patient, regardless of age, may be prone to experiencing dental bruxism. If you’re concerned about the presence of symptoms or your dentist has recommended a nightguard in the past, it’s a good idea to take a closer look at treatment options to find relief and prevent potential problems. For more information, please contact us today.