What is Bruxism?
Bruxism is excessive clenching or grinding of the teeth that is not part of normal chewing movements. It can lead to excessive wear on teeth and may cause permanent damage to the teeth and the joints. In some adults and children, clenching and grinding may occur during the day or at night. During sleep you have no conscious control over this excessive clenching or grinding.
What causes Bruxism?
The causes of bruxism are still being studied. A combination of physical and psychological factors is believed to contribute to bruxism.
- Physical stress such as illness, nutritional deficiencies or dehydration, particularly in children
- Psychological stress, anxiety and tension
- Other abnormal anatomy of the teeth or jaws (including high spots on fillings) that an cause an improper bite
Most people do not know that they grind their teeth while sleeping
The signs & symptoms of Bruxism
- Pain in the teeth and sensitivity to hot and cold
- Chronic facial pain with tension headaches, caused by tense muscle contraction
- The noise, noticed by partners, friends or relatives, that occurs as the teeth are ground together
- Flattened and worn tooth surfaces, which may reveal the underlying yellow dentine layer
- Microfractures of tooth enamel
- Broken or chipped teeth
- Earache or stiffness and pain in the jaw joint
Come visit us at Drummoyne Dental Practice to discuss treatment options
Usually, an occlusal splint (also called a night guard) is an option of treatment for someone with mild or severe grinding behaviour. Worn at night, the splint is made from a moulded hard plastic that over the upper or lower teeth. To increase comfort and effectiveness, it is custom made to suit each person’s own teeth and bite. It prevents further wear of the tooth surfaces.