Have you ever been told that you grind your teeth? Or maybe your teeth are beginning to exhibit changes that are commonly associated with bruxism? Teeth grinding, or bruxism, can transform your bite relationship. It can also severely damage your teeth and jaws over long periods of time if proper treatment isn't sought after. Your upper and lower teeth are intended to glide together smoothly, touching only when we are chewing food. Unnatural grinding or clenching can cause wearing and cracking of your teeth, as well as jaw impairment. All of us tend to grind our teeth on occasion, whether it is when we are angry or anxious, or when our sleep is disturbed. The Truth about Bruxism Bruxism can start early on in your life when teeth are still in the process of developing. An estimated 15 percent of children are reported to grind or clench their teeth. The condition eventually wanes, but three percent of the elderly continue to grind or clench their teeth. During these years, it takes a toll on your teeth. While enamel normally wears down at the rate of .3 millimeters every 10 years due to normal stresses, it is not uncommon for bruxers to experience two millimeters of enamel erosion by their mid-twenties. Bruxism that occurs at night can occur as often as 40 minutes for every hour of sleep. This produces up to 250 pounds of forcer per square inch, which is enough pressure to crack a walnut. Signs and Causes of Bruxism If you have bruxism, the tips of your teeth may look flat and are worn down so much that the enamel is rubbed off, exposing the inside of the tooth (dentin). When exposed, dentin may cause the tooth to become sensitive. Bruxers may experience pain in their temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which may manifest as popping and clicking of the jaw. Other signs of bruxism often include: • Tooth enamel is rubbed off, causing extreme sensitivity. • Popping and clicking of the jaw. • Tongue indentations. Bruxism is triggered by people with certain types of personalities, specifically those who have a nervous tension and a hard time handling stress. Anger, pain and frustration can cause people to start showing signs of bruxism without them even knowing it. Those who are aggressive, competitive and hurried may also be at a greater risk for bruxism. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, people who bite their fingernails when stressed, chew on a pencil if nervous or clench their jaw during sports competitions could be at a greater risk of developing bruxism than anyone else. How your Dentist can Help During routine visits to your dentist, he or she will check for signs of bruxism. If a problem is identified, treatment can begin immediately. Therapy is used to help change a bruxer's behavior by learning how to rest the tongue upward with teeth apart and lips closed. By becoming aware of the problem is typically enough to relieve discomfort and to stop the habit. When necessary, your dentist might provide a plastic mouth appliance, such as a night guard, to absorb the force of biting, while further preventing damage to the teeth and assisting in stopping destructive behavior. If bruxism is not treated, a patient may have to deal with serious injury to their tooth enamel or they might have to deal with recessed gums in some areas. This is due to the damage done to the alignment of the jaw. Your dentist in Longmont will examine your teeth to determine if you have bruxism and will be able to determine the best method of treatment for your individual case.
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Teeth grinding, otherwise known as bruxism, is often viewed as a harmless, though annoying, habit. Some people develop bruxism from an inability to deal with stress or anxiety, and many who grind at night aren't even aware that they have a problem. Continue reading to learn more about bruxism and how it can affect your oral health.
Dr. Mark Pimper is a cosmetic, general, comprehensive, orthodontic, emergency and Longmont dentist. Practicing general and family dentistry since 1973, Dr. Pimper, a cosmetic dentist in Longmont, is committed to providing the best in quality dental care for patients of all ages.
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