Have you ever been told that you grind your teeth? Tooth grinding [bruxism] is an oral habit which involves clenching and grinding of the teeth. It is not uncommon in our society. Approximately 50% to 96% of adults experience bruxism. 15% of children acquire this behavior. Most often, this habit goes by unnoticed by the person. Bruxism can occur during day or night.
What causes bruxism?
This condition has not specific cause, but is believed to be a combination of many factors, such as:
- Emotional stress
- Personalities characterized as aggressive, controlling, precise or who have time urgency and achievement compulsion tend to develop burxism
- Malocclusion (teeth that are not aligned properly)
- Children whose parents brux are more likely to develop this habit than children whose parents do not brux
Signs of bruxism:
- Tooth wear, fractures of the teeth and fillings, especially on the front teeth
- Grinding noise noticed by a sleeping partner
- Facial muscle pain and fatigue
- Locking, cracking and clicking of the jaws
- Headaches
- Tooth mobility
- Sensitive teeth
Treatment of bruxism:
- Professional Counselling and behavioural therapies
- Stress reduction and coping techniques can be initiated to reduce the emotional stress you may be experiencing
- A removable intra-oral appliance known as the soft splint can be custom made for you which protects the teeth from the forces of clenching or grinding the teeth together. A night guard is more practical for treating the night bruxer than for those who have day time clenching and grinding habits.
If you think you may be experiencing this oral problem, visit us.
Norman Cove's Dentistry 