What is Bruxism?
Bruxism (Tooth grinding) is basically when the lower and upper jaws are clenched together. This results in grinding of the lower set of teeth against the upper set. It is labelled as subconscious behaviour so people have no idea that they are doing it until somebody points it out. It affects a large number of people around the world, with some places reporting 10% and other places reporting up to 50%.
When it occurs
Bruxism (Tooth grinding) can occur during the day but mostly happens at night. The problem with this is that at night, the biting force of the jaws increases up to six times the pressure of that during the waking hours. As a result, more damage is likely to be caused at night.
The consequences
The consequences of bruxism are quite extensive and can affect the teeth and other oral structures. One of the most common results is sore facial muscles. The muscles that are used for chewing are the same muscles that are involved in bruxism. As a result you may experience pain when you eat or when you touch the sides of your mouth. You jaw will often feel tight and uncomfortable. You may also get headaches, earaches or neck pain.
The joint that connects your lower to your upper jaw can also cause a significant amount of problems with this condition. The Temporomandibular joint, more commonly known as the TMJ, can become inflamed and damaged.
The teeth can also be affected in a big way. Because of the excessive grinding the teeth can wear down and become shortened. Since the enamel may be worn away you may also end up with sensitive teeth. This means that cold or pressure can cause significant pain. If you have fillings there is also a risk that these will be fractured.
How to treat bruxism
Bruxism (Tooth grinding) can be treated in a variety of ways depending on the cause. If you think that you may be suffering from this condition then the first thing you should do is tell your dentist. They will inspect your teeth and see if any changes could be made to reposition your teeth.
They will also be able to provide you with a bite plate. This will basically be placed between your lower and upper sets of teeth so when you clench your jaw the plate will absorb the pressure. This will reduce the amount of pressure on your teeth and therefore help prevent damage.
In children, the condition is usually a passing phase. A significant amount of bruxism in adults is due to stress and anxiety. If you have never suffered form this before and realise that you are waking up with saw jaw muscles and sensitive teeth then this is something to consider. Think about any dramatic changes that may have happened recently and try and uncover anything that may be bothering you. Often the key here is to speak to a family member or friend, or even a professional.
