Bruxism

Bruxism is a habit of grinding or clenching your teeth. Some of the symptoms that may occur with bruxism include: headache, sore jaw, clenching or grinding teeth, frequent toothaches, facial pain, worn or fractured tooth enamel, loose teeth, earache, or insomnia. Bruxism can occur at any age, and may be the result of stressful situations, sleep disorders, an abmormal bite, crooked teeth, or missing teeth. To detect damage caused by bruxism early on and treat the irregular wear on teeth and facial pain that are characteristic of bruxism, regular dental checkups are important. Your dentist can find evidence of bruxism by looking for unusual wear spots on your teeth. To prevent bruxism from occurring or to stop it from progressing, your dentist may recommend that you find ways to relax, such as as reading, listening to quiet music, taking a walk or a warm bath, or applying a warm washcloth to the side of your face to help the muscles in your face relax. Another means of stopping bruxism is to get a night-guard to wear while you sleep. This is especially helpful for bruxism caused by sleep disorders, crooked or missing teeth, or stress. A night-guard is custom-made by your dentist from soft material to fit your teeth. It prevents contact between the upper and lower teeth and helps relieve some of the pressure of grinding or clenching, which can damage delicate jaw joints. For people with an abnormal bite, treatment may involve reducing the 'high spots' on one or more teeth. More serious cases will likely require reshaping or reconstructing the biting surfaces with inlays or crowns. Good communication with your dentist, paying attention to the symptoms, and frequent dental visits are the best ways to relieve the pain from bruxism.