|
Many people may grind or clench their teeth from time to time. This act is known as bruxism. While occasional teeth grinding does not usually cause harm, but when teeth grinding occurs on a regular basis the teeth can be damaged causing other oral health complications to arise. Although teeth grinding can be caused by stress and anxiety, it may often occur during sleep and is more likely caused by an abnormal bite or missing or crooked teeth. It is important to know the signs and symptoms of bruxism and to seek regular dental care from your Mesa family dentist. What is Bruxism? Bruxism is a condition in which you grind, gnash or clench your teeth. If you grind your teeth, you may unconsciously clench your teeth together during the day or grind them at night. Your bruxism can be mild and may not require treatment. Unfortunately, it can be frequent and severe enough to lead to jaw disorders, headaches, damaged teeth and other dental problems. Since bruxism may occur while you are sleeping, you may be unaware of it until complications develop. Occurring frequently in your sleep, it is often difficult to recognize if you have bruxism. There are a number of signs that can indicate if a person is suffering from teeth grinding such as, your teeth may appear worn down with tips that look flat. Some teeth become so worn that the enamel comes off which then exposes the inside of the tooth causing extreme sensitivity. Many people report pain in their jaw that can produce popping or clicking noises. Additionally, as a result of excessive clenching, a key indicator of bruxism can be indentation on the tongue. Other symptoms include:
* A grinding sound at night
* A dull morning headache
* Occasional swelling on the side of your lower jaw
* Painful jaw joint
* Long-lasting pain in the face
* Damaged teeth, broken dental fillings and injured gums Acid Reflux Increases Bruxism Gastric problems, such as acid reflux, have been known to increase bruxism. This makes it important to keep your acid reflux maintained in order to prevent further development of bruxism or any other condition. Acid reflux is a condition in which the stomach contents leak backwards from the stomach into the esophagus, which can irritate its causing heartburn and other symptoms. There is a correlation between acid reflux and bruxism in which the reflux can come up high enough to irritate some of the nerves and muscles that control jaw function, triggering bruxism. In order to prevent the development of bruxism, it is vital to keep your acid reflux underway. Treatment Options There is no single accepted cure for bruxism. However, there are treatments available, starting with a visit to your dentist. For children, treatment may not be necessary as a young child will usually outgrow bruxism with age. Specific treatment for bruxism will be determined based on: * Patient's age, overall health, and medical history
* Extent of the disease
* Patient's tolerance for specific medications, procedures or therapies
* Expectations for the course of the disease
* Patient's opinion or preference Also, in most cases, bruxism can be successfully treated with: * Stress management
* Dental approaches
* Splints
* Mouth guards
* Correcting misaligned teeth
* Behavior therapy or behavior modification
* Biofeedback
* Medications
* Dietary supplements As always, talk to your dentist in Mesa if you suspect yourself or your partner may be suffering from bruxism. Your dentist will be able to diagnose and prescribe appropriate treatment for your ailments. Always remember to schedule regular dental exams, as they are the best way to screen against bruxism
Sean Hartmen writes for leading Mesa cosmetic dentist, Dr. Brad Justesen. Providing excellent dental care to his patients for over 30 years, Dr. Justesen, Mesa dentist, stays abreast of the newest and most current techniques while remaining conservative with his treatments such as implants, dental veneers or tooth whitening.
|
