Treatment Options For Bruxism

What Are The Causes of Bruxism?

The primary cause of bruxism remains unclear, but several factors can contribute to the development of this issue. People who suffer from bruxism may not even notice any signs or symptoms until their oral health is affected.

Among different factors, stress has been regarded as one of the most common reasons for teeth grinding and jaw clenching. Your stress level can rise at any time during the day or night. And chances are, you might not even know, but you may be doing it even when you’re awake.

Your body may display physical stress by bruxism. You can try paying more attention to your mouth the next time you are feeling stressed. Do you feel like you are clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth? If you are, you are one of 8 percent of Americans who suffer from bruxism.

Other reasons you may suffer from bruxism are the use of substances (drugs, alcohol, caffeine), sleep apnea, or misalignment issues. Children can also develop bruxism at a young age, but mostly, this habit disappears as they grow older.

How Do I Know If I Have Bruxism?

Bruxism does not develop overnight. It is a chronic habit that occurs over the passage of time. You may not notice any changes initially, but they will become apparent if the condition is left untreated. Some signs that the American Dental Association has reported include:

• You may have a sore mouth or a tight jaw.
• You can notice that your teeth are slowly and gradually wearing down in an odd pattern.
• Your spouse may be able to see that you are grinding your teeth at night in bed. Although the sound may not be loud, it would be clear to your partner to notice.
• You may have earaches and headaches as a result of long-term jaw clenching. You may feel it’s an ear infection or a migraine, but it is how closely different parts of your face are related.
• You may feel soreness in your jaw or facial muscles upon waking up. It may persist if you clench your teeth during the daytime as well.
• You will likely notice changes in your oral cavity, such as gum recession, exposed tooth roots, tongue or cheek damage, and increased tooth sensitivity.

If you or your partner has any of these symptoms, it is best to seek professional help as early as possible. With early treatment, you can prevent further complications.

How To Diagnose And Treat Bruxism?

There is no better way than to give a quick visit to your dentist. During your consultation, you can freely discuss all your symptoms. Your dentist will look into the wear patterns, assess your jaw, and diagnose whether you are unconsciously grinding or clenching your teeth.

This is going to be the starting point of your treatment. From here, your dentist will prescribe you a nightguard. It is a special oral appliance that is designed to keep your teeth apart at night, preventing them from grinding or clenching. You will need to wear the nightguard before bedtime. With consistent use of this appliance, you will notice an improvement in your oral health. It will also allow you to have a comfortable sleep and wake up pain-free.

It will take a little bit of time until you get used to the nightguard, but by wearing it every night, your mouth will adjust to this change. Your dentist will decide how long you will have to wear this appliance to prevent bruxism.

Remember that this approach will only halt the symptoms of bruxism, and it is not a cure for the core problem. If you have bruxism due to sleep apnea, you will need to consult a sleep specialist who will help with your specific issues. On the other hand, if the primary cause is stress, you will need to consult a therapist who will help you with related issues. However, during all these treatments, you will have to involve your dentist to determine the effects on your teeth.

What Happens If Bruxism Is Left Untreated?

Bruxism or teeth grinding may seem like a harmless habit at first, but it can have significant impacts on your oral health if neglected for too long. Some common adverse effects of this condition include:

• Enamel erosion: The excessive pressure from grinding can erode the enamel of your teeth. This erosion increases your susceptibility to cavities and makes your teeth more sensitive. It can also cause cracks in the tooth structure.
• Tooth sensitivity: When the outer protective layer of your teeth (enamel) is worn out due to consistent grinding, your teeth become more sensitive. You may feel discomfort while consuming hot or cold substances.
• Jaw and muscle strain: Frequent grinding or clenching puts significant strain on your jaw and facial muscles, as well as on your temporomandibular joints (TMJs). This strain often leads to headaches and muscle pain upon waking.
• Receding gums: Bruxism can push your gums away from your teeth, resulting in gum recession. As your gums recede, the roots of your teeth may become exposed, increasing the risk of cavities and infections.

To Sum Up

So, now that you have learned all about bruxism and how it can affect your oral health, you can take immediate measures to prevent this condition. If you or a family member has been suffering from bruxism, consult our experienced specialist, Dr. Prem, at Almond Dental. He will assess your symptoms and recommend the best treatment options to restore your oral health. Call us today to book an appointment.