Teeth Clenching and Grinding

Bruxism is a condition where the individual clenches or grinds teeth causing significant damage to the teeth, facial muscles and the TMJ (tempero  mandibular  joint).

Sleep bruxism or night grinding is a sleep disorder that is often associated with other sleep conditions like snoring and/ or pauses in breathing (sleep apnea)

Symptoms include-

Teeth grinding and clenching sounds that can awaken the sleep partner

Worn, flattened, chipped or loose teeth

Worn enamel causing increased sensitivity from exposed dentin

Jaw or facial pain and soreness

Dull headaches originating in the temple region

Tired of tight jaw muscles

Teeth Indentations on the tongue

Causes include-

Emotions such as anxiety, stress, anger

Abnormal alignment of upper and lower teeth

Uncommon side effects to psychiatric medications

Stomach acid reflex into esophagus

Coping or focusing habit

Prevention and early intervention is key to alleviating debilitating pain and irreversible damage of tooth structure requiring extensive restorative procedures

Call 909 627 6699 to schedule  a one on one consultation with Dr. Cherukuri

Bruxism Solutions

 Refer to last week's post for tooth grinding causes and symptoms-

 

If stress is the cause of tooth grinding, then self-relaxation techniques, such as listening to music, taking a walk, or a having warm bath may help. Applying a warm, wet washcloth to the side of the face may help relax muscles, as well. Consulting qualified health care professionals is also recommended to relieve stress.

Keep in mind, however, that eliminating stress is not always the answer in preventing tooth grinding. An appliance, most commonly known as a nightguard, can be made by a dentist to alleviate signs and symptoms of tooth grinding. A thin layer of plastic (hard or soft) is molded to fit snugly over the teeth.. This appliance can be worn during the day or while you sleep. Nightguards help protect your teeth and any dental work, such as fillings and crowns, from wearing down or even fracturing. The nightguard can also help relieve excess pressure on the jaw joint and prevent damage to it. The appliance, also referred to as an occlusal splint, helps reduce pressure to the teeth and prevent damage to the gums and bone surrounding the teeth.

"Over the years, many patients have asked  if over the counter(OTC) mouthguards work", says Dr. Cherukuri.  "Patients initially choose them because of the relatively low cost and discover very quickly that they are unable to wear them at night because they are oversize and bulky.  Mouthguards outside of mouth have very limited benefits", she adds humorously.

It is important to use a very carefully calibrated occlusal splint to improve or correct the bite discrepancies and OTC mouthguards may end up causing more harm. Dr. Cherukuri cautions.

Stress, Anxiety can lead to Teeth Grinding

Take a deep breath and relax. Stress and anxiety may bring some unwanted oral health concerns, such as teeth grinding—and you may not even be aware of it.

Also known as bruxism, teeth grinding is when you clench your teeth, or slide your teeth back-and-forth over each other. Often, it occurs unconsciously while you sleep.
Although it’s not considered a dangerous disorder, it can put pressure on the jaw muscles and tissues, and wear down your teeth, according to the National Institutes of Health. It may lead to jaw pain, headaches and earaches, and permanent damage to the teeth.

While there are various causes to teeth grinding, daily stress may be the biggest trigger for most people. Symptoms include sensitivity in the teeth, sore jaw and insomnia.

To treat teeth grinding, the NIH recommends reducing your daily stress and learning various relaxation techniques, such as meditation. Relaxing your face and jaw muscles throughout the day—to make a habit out of it—can also help.

Often, avoiding hard foods such as candies and nuts, drinking plenty of water, and massaging the muscles of the neck, shoulders and face can help relieve or reduce any pain.

However, there are other possible causes of teeth grinding. These include: sleep disorders; an abnormal bite; misaligned teeth; and in children, irritation in the mouth and allergies.

In such cases, dentists may provide you with a mouth guard to protect your teeth during sleep. Dentists may also recommend a muscle relaxant to be used before going to bed.

"Teeth grinding is generally a chronic condition that is best treated conservatively in its initial stages" says Dr.Cherukuri from her Chino, California practice.

For a free dental evaluation:

 Visit www.chinosmiles.com    or      Call 909 627-6699.