Your dentist has just diagnosed you with bruxism. Now what?
Many people have heard this term used before but aren’t quite sure what it means or how it relates to them. They require more information on the condition and all of the treatment options so that they can make wise decisions regarding their health. You can learn more about bruxism and its treatments in this comprehensive guide.
What is Bruxism?
Most people are probably more familiar with the common terminology used to describe bruxism: bruxism is when you grind your teeth, typically an unconscious gesture. You may also clench your teeth and/or jaw.
It can happen when you are awake and when you are asleep. If you are suffering from sleep bruxism, you might find that your teeth grinding and clenching is loud enough to wake you or others who sleep nearby. Sleep bruxism is often found in combination with other sleep disorders like snoring or sleep apnea.
The exact cause of awake bruxism is not quite certain. Many experts speculate that it may be due to overwhelming emotions including anxiety, stress, anger, or tension. Others believe that grinding the teeth or clenching the jaw could be an ingrained habit that helps some people focus their attention. No matter the reason, it can be a serious problem that needs to be treated by a professional dentist.
Symptoms of Bruxism
Because the action is unconscious, most people have a hard time self-diagnosing their bruxism. The symptoms are much easier for a dentist to spot, but you may already be feeling the effects of long-term clenching or grinding. Many people experience a headache that originates from the temple of their head or pain that closely resembles an earache. These two pain indicators are some of the most common first symptoms that pop up with bruxism.
Jaw problems are another major issue that can arise. The muscles of the jaw might feel worn out or tight from the constant grinding and clenching. If left untreated for a long time, you might find that you have a locked jaw that does not fully open or close. Other more general jaw pain may also occur along with pain in the neck or certain areas of the face.
The teeth tell an important story about how much your bruxism is affecting you. Dentists find that the teeth are often flattened, fractured, chipped, or loose in patients who are actively grinding their teeth. Often, the enamel is worn away and exposes the deeper layers of the teeth. This can result in increased pain and tooth sensitivity to hot and cold items.
Treatment of Bruxism
For the most part, people who suffer from bruxism have mild cases that do not require dental intervention. However, some people may be suffering from extreme symptoms like tension headaches and major jaw disorders. In these cases, your dentist may recommend a number of different treatment options.
First, they might encourage you to explore the cause of your bruxism in more detail. Because many people believe that it is motivated by emotion, getting a handle on your stress and anxiety might be the best way to relieve yourself from the grinding of your teeth. Stress and anxiety management courses or counseling can be a highly effective treatment option.
Splints and mouth guards are one option to help keep the teeth separated. They are often made of hard plastic and fit neatly over the top and bottom teeth. With one of these items in your mouth, it’s impossible for the teeth to grind or clench anymore.
If the damage to the teeth is severe, your dentist may take a more radical approach to fix the damage. They might need to reshape the teeth using crowns to keep your teeth from becoming overly sensitive or incurring further damage.
Consult Your Dentist Today
Bruxism is a treatable condition but it may require intervention from your professional dentist. They can help you figure out the right course of action that can keep your smile healthy for the long run. Whether your case is mild or severe, be sure to contact us today for more information and to set up your appointment!