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Do you wake up with a sore jaw or experience constant headaches? These problems, as well as tense muscles, are often the result of bruxism, which is the medical term for the grinding or clenching of your teeth. Bruxism is a common, involuntary condition that most often occurs while sleeping. It can affect men, women and children, and because most people grind their teeth at night, many suffer from bruxism without even being aware of their condition. If left untreated, chronic teeth grinding can lead to a number of problems, with the most obvious being dental damage. Bruxism: The Basics Bruxism is a technical term for grinding and clenching of the teeth that can lead to facial pain. People who grind and clench their teeth (bruxers) unintentionally bite down too hard at inappropriate times, such as in their sleep. In addition to grinding their teeth, bruxers may also bite their fingernails, pencils and chew the inside of their cheek. Many people are not diagnosed with bruxism until damage has already appeared, since grinding at night isn't always noticeable. According to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), about one in three people suffer from bruxism, which can easily be treated early on by your dentist in London. Over an extended period of time, the accumulated toll of bruxism can produce a wide range of damage that includes: * Worn down front teeth
* Micro-cracks and broken fillings
* Teeth ground down to the dentin
* Gum recession
* Loose teeth
* Headache and aching jaws When a person has bruxism, the tips of their teeth typically look flat. Since the teeth are worn down so much, the enamel of the tooth is rubbed off, exposing the inside of the tooth, which is called the dentin. When exposed, dentin may cause the tooth to become sensitive. Bruxers may experience pain in their temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which can develop as popping and clicking of the jaw. Bruxism can also be triggered by people with certain types of personalities, such as those with nervous tension and a hard time handling stress. Anger, pain and frustration can also cause people to start showing the beginning signs of bruxism without them even knowing. Those who are aggressive, competitive and in a rush may also be at a greater risk for bruxism. Treatment While there is not an exact cure for bruxism, it can be managed with proper treatment. Your dentist in London routinely checks for physical signs of bruxism during regular checkups. If signs of bruxism are detected, your dentist may recommend therapy. The objective of therapy is to get you to change your behavior by learning how to rest the tongue, teeth and lips properly. Sometimes, when people are aware of their problem, simply advising them to rest their tongue upward with teeth apart and lips shut may be enough to change their behavior and relieve discomfort they may experiencing. A plastic oral appliance, such as a night guard, can also be made and worn to absorb the force of biting. This can prevent further damage to the teeth and helps to change the behavior. If your teeth grinding is due to stress, a bruxer may be able to prevent the problem with counseling or strategies that promote relaxation, such as exercise and meditation. If you suspect dental damage caused by teeth grinding or you wake up in the mornings with unexplained facial, jaw and head pain visit your dentist in London, Dr. Brock Rondeau for evaluation. Left untreated, bruxism can lead to a number of problems, but early diagnosis can help prevent further damage.
Sean Hartmen writes for Dr. Brock Rondeau, dentist in London, at Dr. Rondeau & Associates. Dr. Rondeau lectures on the subject of orthodontics, orthopedics, snoring and sleep apnea, TMJ and headaches in London, further proving his commitment to educating patients on proper orthodontic care.
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