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Teeth Grinding Treatment in Exton
It’s fairly common for people to clench or grind their teeth subconsciously during the day, and even more usual for this to continue into the evening time while we sleep. This condition is called bruxism and while it might not seem like a major concern, over time it can lead to TMD (Temporomandibular Disorder), the breakdown of your teeth’s enamel, and eventual tooth loss. At Exton Family Dentist of Exton, we check for signs of bruxism at every visit.
What is bruxism?
Bruxism is excessive clenching, teeth grinding or chewing. It can lead to excessive wear on teeth which might cause:
- permanent loss of enamel and tooth structure
- cracking and splitting of teeth
- damage to jaw joints
Bruxism is unhealthy. It can occur in adults and children during the day or at night.
What causes bruxism?
Studies are still being conducted to investigate the causes of bruxism. Some physical and/or psychological factors might contribute to it, including:
- stress, anxiety and tension
- sleep disorders
- abnormal bite or jaw alignment
- illness, nutritional deficiencies, or dehydration
What are the signs and symptoms?
The signs vary with the intensity, frequency, and nature of the clenching or grinding and might include:
- chronic facial pain with tension headaches and neck aches
- partners or family can ‘hear’ a grinder
- pain on biting
- cracks, chips and fractures in teeth
- clicking of the jaw, or pain in jaw joints that feels like an earache
- teeth are worn flat – often to the dentin
- stiff or tight facial, neck, or temporal muscles
Watch your child for signs of teeth grinding. If they complain of facial pain or headaches and there is no illness, be sure to mention it at their next dental appointment.
What are the treatment options?
One option for treatment is to try to remove the causes of the bruxism by using stress management and relaxation techniques. The damage caused by bruxism might also be treated with the use of muscle relaxants, pain relievers, and massage for muscular facial pain.
Another option is to change the behavior that causes the bruxism. Some examples:
- If your grinding or clenching occurs during the day you need to become conscious of it and post reminders around your workplace/station reminding you to stop.
- Biofeedback is an option mainly for daytime clenchers. Electronic monitors measure the tension in the jaw muscles. Clenchers use this feedback to learn how to relax their muscles.
- In severe cases, you might need to be referred to a TMJ (temporomandibular joint) specialist. The TMJ is the joint that enables you to open and close your mouth.
- Occlusal splint therapy teaches you how to rest your mouth.
What is an occlusal splint?
An occlusal splint is a night guard that is custom made to fit over your upper or lower teeth.
- It protects your teeth from further wear and might also protect against their chipping and cracking.
- It opens your bite up to remove some pressure from your jaw joints and muscles
- It evens out your bite, thus taking the pressure off your teeth. This might improve a toothache or pain on chewing.
- It might encourage you to stop grinding or clenching.
Night guards are custom made pieces of plastic that provide a cushion for your teeth. They are durable and comfortable, and instead of stopping the clenching and grinding motions, they work to absorb stress instead of it affecting your teeth. Due to their complex nature and the importance of a proper fit, we take our time when crafting your night guard to ensure it will be effective.
Individuals who are starting to experience negative daytime effects from bruxism will find that a night guard makes a world of difference, and while they tend to be a bit of an investment up front, they more than pay for themselves by protecting your mouth from additional damage down the line.
Best occlusal splints / night guards in Exton!
Protect your teeth from further damage caused by tooth abrasion. Here at Exton Family Dentist of Exton, your reliable local dentist can create a top-notch Occlusal Splint/Night Guard for you.
Contact our office today or simply request an appointment online if you’ve been grinding or clenching your teeth at night – the sooner you can start using a night guard the stronger your teeth will remain.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]