Bruxism is a condition where you habitually clench or grind your teeth. It can happen during the day, especially during times of stress, or at night. Over time, bruxism can cause severe damage to your teeth and jaws, leading to dental problems, pain and tenderness in the teeth and jaws, and headaches.
What Causes Bruxism?
Both psychological and physiological reasons can trigger bruxism. We have all heard the cliches about people clenching or grinding their teeth due to anger or worry, and stress is certainly a common contributor. However, there are plenty of other possible causes, including physical problems with your bite, perhaps due to an extracted tooth or crooked teeth. If you suffer from sleep apnoea, this can also lead to bruxism.
Symptoms of Bruxism
Even if you grind your teeth while awake, you will not always be aware of it, as it can easily become an unconscious habit. With sleep bruxism, the first clue is often from your partner, as the teeth-grinding can be quite noisy.
If your dentist notices worn enamel on certain teeth or small cracks around your gums, this is an indication of bruxism. There are also some tell-tale signs that you can look out for, including waking up with aching jaws, dental sensitivity to cold or acidic food and drink or difficulty in opening your mouth wide.
Treating Bruxism At The Dentist
There are different treatment options available for managing bruxism. To decide which one is right for you, the dentist will need as full an understanding as possible of the root cause. Where the condition is caused by physical factors, dental or orthodontic work can be highly effective.
In many cases, however, the treatment will be aimed at managing the effects of bruxism and preventing your habit from causing damage. For example, a custom-made mouthguard will not stop you from grinding or clenching your teeth. Still, it will protect your teeth and gums, reducing the likelihood of serious dental problems developing.
