Teeth grinding/Bruxism
Teeth grinding is clinically referred to as bruxism. Simply defined, it is the act of consciously or unconsciously clenching your teeth either during the day or while sleeping. Bruxism is considered both a medical and dental problem as it affects the teeth and all the structure near it, including the head, neck, shoulders…etc.
Causes
Symptoms
Teeth grinding is a health condition not all people are aware of. Some regard it as merely a habit, when in fact it is a medical concern that people should address.
Bruxism or teeth grinding have different sign and symptoms. Here are the indicators that a person is suffering from bruxism:
1. Intense clenching of teeth could be enough to wake you up.
Patients who have this problem clench their teeth involuntarily and without their knowledge. Teeth clenching usually happens at night although it may happen during the day as well.
2. Flattened, worn down, and chipped teeth.
When it comes to bruxism, it is ether the teeth, the muscles or the articulations that sustain the damage.
3. Worn teeth enamel and sensitive teeth
Most of the symptoms of bruxism are concentrated on the teeth. People with bruxism usually have exposed dentin on their teeth. Because of their habit, their teeth enamel has eventually worn out. Those teeth are subjected to greater sensitivity stimulated by something cold or hot.
4. Pain and tightness in the jaws and its muscles.
Even if you can observe most of the damage on the teeth, the pain can also be on the jaws. Severe bruxism could strain the muscles in these parts, resulting in tightness in the jaws muscles.
5. Instances of earaches.
Bruxism is not directly related to hearing problems. It just so happen that when the muscles are tensed, inflammation behind the articulation area being very close to the ear can lead to earaches.
6. Headaches.
People who have bruxism may also suffer from chronic headaches. This is still due to muscles contraction.
7. Facial pain.
Aside from earaches and headaches, facial pain are also common. Although it is the mouth area that is most affected here, every irregular movement of the jaws and the teeth affects all the muscular structures near it. And that includes the whole area of the face. Pain in the facial muscles are very common with people suffering from bruxism.
Fortunately, at Global Dental Art we are able to diminish and even stop grinding caused by muscle tension with the aide of a night guard. For dental and articulation problems, it is also possible to treat the situation with particular techniques and improve your quality of life. Ask the dental hygienist for more information.
