Park
Cities Dental
"The
Art and Science of a Healthy Smile"
Bruxism
What is bruxism?
Bruxism is the technical term for grinding and clenching
that abrades teeth and may cause facial pain. People who grind and clench,
called bruxers, unintentionally bite down too hard at inappropriate times,
such as in their sleep. In addition to grinding teeth, bruxers also may
bite their fingernails, pencils and chew the inside of their cheek. People
usually aren't diagnosed with bruxism until it is too late because so many
people don't realize they have the habit. Others mistakenly believe that
their teeth must touch at all times. About one in four people suffer from
bruxism, which can easily be treated by a dentist.
Can bruxism cause harm?
People who have otherwise healthy teeth and gums can
clench so often and so hard that over time their teeth become sensitive
and they experience jaw pain and headaches. Forceful biting when not eating
may cause the jaw to move out of proper balance.
What are the signs?
When a person has bruxism, the tips of the teeth look flat. Teeth
are worn down so much that the enamel is rubbed off, exposing the inside
of the tooth which is called dentin. When exposed, dentin may become sensitive.
Bruxers may experience pain in their temporomandibular joint (TMJ)-the
jaw-which may manifest itself as popping and clicking. Women, who are more
susceptible to TMD, also have a higher prevalence of bruxism possibly because
they are more likely to experience tissue alterations in the jaw resulting
from clenching and grinding. Tongue indentations are another sign of clenching.
Stress and certain personality types are at the root of bruxism. For as
long as humankind has existed, bruxism has affected people with nervous
tension. Anger, pain and frustration can trigger bruxing. People who are
aggressive, competitive and hurried also may be at greater risk for bruxism.
What can de done about it?
During regular dental visits, the dentist automatically
checks for physical signs of bruxism. If the dentist or patient notices
signs of bruxism, the condition may be observed over several visits to
be sure of the problem before recommending and starting therapy. The objective
of therapy is to get the bruxer to change behavior by learning how to rest
the tongue, teeth and lips properly. When some people become aware of their
problem. simply advising them to rest their tongue upward with teeth apart
and lips shut may be enough to change their behavior and relieve discomfort.
However, the dentist can make a plastic mouth appliance, such as a night
guard that's worn to absorb the force of biting which causes damage and
pain and also helps to change patient behavior. Biofeedback is used to
treat daytime clenchers by using electronic instruments to measure muscle
activity and to teach patients how to reduce muscle activity when the biting
force becomes too great. Researchers are looking for other ways of treating
bruxism, especially for those who tend to clench in their sleep. One researcher
developed an experimental lip stimulator that electrically stimulates the
lip when a person bites down too hard while sleeping. However, that method
is being refined because the stimulation can wake sleepers several times
in a night.
Dr. Hibbs now provides the new NTI bruxism/clenching suppression appliance as seen in People Magazines. A very effective treatment for bruxism and migraines!
Return to Facts About Dentistry & Services
Request a Special Report on Bruxism and Headaches from Dr. J. Eric Hibbs