Grinding, gnashing or clenching teeth, also called bruxism can cause serious problems. Teeth grinding can cause tooth damage, as well as other complications. Below we examine some of the questions about bruxism.
Causes of Bruxism
Stress and anxiety are two of the most common causes, although they may not be fully understood. The most severe teeth grinding is usually done at night and may be caused by crooked or missing teeth. The most common causes of bruxism are complications caused by diseases such as Huntington’s and certain psychiatric drugs.
Children are more likely to grind their teeth, but this usually stops in adolescence. You may grind your teeth more if you’re under stress, use tobacco and caffeinated drinks frequently or are stressed out.
Symptoms of Bruxism
Most teeth grinding occurs during sleep. Some people grind their teeth so loudly that their partners can hear them at night. You may also experience a headache, sore teeth, chipped and worn teeth, increased tooth-sensitivity, facial and ear pain, and even a sore jaw. You may be grinding your teeth if you’ve bitten or chewed the inside of either your tongue or cheek.
You can consult your dentist if you suspect you may be grinding your teeth. Your dentist will examine your jaw and mouth for signs of bruxism.
Teeth grinding can cause complications
Untreated teeth grinding can cause damage to your teeth. They may be worn down to a stump or require replacement. Untreated bruxism may also lead to hearing loss, TMJ and jaw problems.
Progressive cases of bruxism will require dental treatment and intervention. If you want to prevent your teeth from grinding together while sleeping, then you may need to purchase dental splints or a mouthguard.
Bruxism Examination
Gather information before your dental examination to help your dentist diagnose your condition. This will also allow your dentist to develop a treatment plan that is effective.
Gather:
List of symptoms
Related Pain
Relevant medical history
List of Current Medications
Personal Information
List of Questions
Ask your partner to listen out for any signs of grinding. This includes gnawing or clenching while you sleep, as well as clicking or other sounds. This information should be reported to your dentist.
Corrective Dental Procedures
If you have suffered damage as a consequence of bruxism, it may be necessary to seek professional dental help. These services can include crowns or other procedures that correct your damaged teeth.
Treatments to correct teeth may include:
Dental Bonding
Crowns
Veneers
Other cosmetic dental procedures
There are a number of cosmetic dental procedures available to repair worn-down, chipped or cracked teeth caused by bruxism.
Prepare For Your Appointment
Asking your dentist a few questions will help you to get the best possible treatment.
Questions to Dental Providers
What causes my bruxism?
This is temporary or progressive?
Do I need to see another specialist?
How severe is the damage?
What type of mouthguard is right for me?
What dental services can I get to improve my tooth condition?
Prepare yourself to answer all questions the dentist might ask you about your condition. By being honest with your dentist, you can receive the best treatment for your unique bruxism case.
Make notes about the problems you are experiencing, such as when they began, how frequently they occur, and anything personal that could be contributing to them.