What is Bruxism and why you might need to see a dentist

Many people clench their jaws or grind their teeth now and again and, for the most part, it doesn’t cause any major problems. Bruxism is the medical term for teeth grinding and, if allowed to continue for a long time, can have a big impact on a person’s quality of life.

The people who are most at risk are those who are unaware that they are grinding their teeth because it happens when they are asleep, but they are likely to be suffering the symptoms during the day. If you believe that you or a loved one are suffering from Bruxism, you need to arrange an appointment with a dentist in Marlborough to discuss your concerns.

Preventing and Treating Bruxism

Your first port of call is to visit a dentist in Brighton who will be able to examine you and identify any signs of Bruxism in your jaw and mouth. Depending on the damage, they may need to carry out root canals, fillings, implants, crowns, bridges, or even dentures to repair your teeth.

If you are suffering from Bruxism, it will help to identify what could be causing or worsening it. For example, if you are stressed or suffering from anxiety, you may find that meditation, counselling, or breathing techniques before bed will relax you. It’s also recommended that you minimise the amount caffeine, tobacco, and other stimulants you take in.

An effective solution is often a professional night guard which you can place in your mouth between your teeth to stop them from grinding. Alternatively, hypnosis has been effective for some people with Bruxism.

What Causes Bruxism?

Bruxism can be an unconscious habit but can also be caused by other conditions. A common cause is stress or anxiety, which manifests itself as teeth grinding, but in some cases, it can be caused by a misalignment of the jaw and teeth (called a malocclusion). It has also been linked to medicines for the treatment of depression, as a symptom of muscle or nerve diseases or even Huntington or Parkinson’s disease.

Symptoms and Complications of Bruxism

While Bruxism can be an issue for people during the day, the majority of people find that it takes place during their sleep. However, unless a loved one tells you that they have noticed you grinding your teeth during the night, you may not be aware that you have a problem. However, there are several symptoms which can be caused by teeth grinding such as:

• Tight and/or contracting jaw muscles
•  A clicking or popping jaw
• Headaches and unexplained pain in the face
• Worn, damaged, loose or missing teeth
• Damaged gums
• Lower jaw swelling
• Sensitivity (due to layers of enamel being worn away)
• Discomfort when talking or eating
• Earache
• Headaches
• Poor quality of sleep
• Restricted mouth opening.

In extreme cases, Bruxism can lead to Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ). Find out more about TMJ here.

For people who grind their teeth during the day, there are electronic instruments which can help people to recognise when their muscle activity has become too excessive.