Dental Health
Bruxism/teeth grinding
Acknowledgments: This section has been developed by DVA Dental Advisers using content from John Appleyard's, (B.D.S Adel) webpage: www.johnappleyard.com.au/bruxism.html
What is bruxism?
It is the grinding or clenching of teeth usually at times of stress or high concentration. In some instances the person who has the habit is not aware of it. Often it is the spouse who hears the grating and grinding sound during the night from a partner bruxing during sleep.
Once established, the habit of bruxing may come into play when a person is tired or stressed.
What causes it?
Bruxism is commonly triggered by a stressful event such as starting a new job or a new school, examinations, relationship problems, other personal crisis or harrowing experience. In some instances a poor bite, caused by problems such as teeth drifting and moving or fillings being too high, can contribute to the habit.
Why can it be a problem?
Chewing at meal times involves some grinding and clenching of the teeth. If this grinding is done for other reasons and at other times it can lead, depending on force and duration, to a number of difficulties, including:
- Worn down teeth
- Loose teeth
- Damage to the jaw joints
- Enlarged and painful jaw muscles
- Split, cracked and broken teeth
- Some forms of headache or neck ache
- Ear and hearing problems.
Treatment
If the condition has been related to stress, it sometimes disappears once a person has adjusted to the stress-causing situation; on the other hand it may continue indefinitely.
If bruxing is, or looks like becoming, an established pattern, it is a good idea to have it investigated and treated. Left untreated, there is a strong possibility that the teeth will suffer progressively, and eventually result in extreme damage.
Therapy may involve practitioners other than dentists. However, dentists will undertake the repair of damaged teeth and institute simple preventive measures (such as bite splints) to lessen future damage. The repair process may require periodic repetition.
Relaxation techniques
There are a number of psychological techniques that can help with handling a stressful situation. These include progressive relaxation procedures and counselling to work through issues causing stress.
Adjustment of the bite
Ideally the upper and lower teeth should meet together evenly and comfortably. However, if for some reason this does not happen, bruxism can start as the jaw and the chewing muscles try to grind the teeth into a position where everything feels comfortable. Sometimes the smoothing down of the fillings or teeth that are protruding too far is all that is required to rectify the problem.
Wearing a bite splint
Relief from the effects of bruxism can be obtained from wearing an acrylic bite splint (usually at night). The splint separates the upper and lower teeth and so protects the teeth from further damage. It also relieves the soreness in the chewing muscles and jaw joints.
The splint is usually made to fit the top teeth. The biting surface of the splint is made quite smooth so that the opposing teeth can slide over it very easily.
When should I see a dentist?
Don't wait for things to go wrong - see a dentist for regular check-ups. This makes it easier to spot early signs of tooth decay or bruxism, as well as gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss. See a dentist if you have symptoms of gum disease such as bleeding or inflamed gums, persistent bad breath or a change in the appearance of the gums. Because oral cancer is more common in people over 45, see a dentist about any persistent mouth ulcers or lumps.