Bruxism - Dental clinic ELSIA

Bruxism

Reasons, Consequences and Treatment

Bruxism is an unconscious and excessive grinding and clenching of the jaw.  About half of the population is believed to be inclined to grind their teeth, but about 5% of people have an extremely pronounced problem.  Usually teeth are cut only when sleeping, but some people do it when they are awake as well.  Bruxism can be a stress manifestation.  For example, sensitive people are prone to turn their teeth into emotional tension – being angry, focusing on important tasks, or worrying.

What can cause Bruxism?
— Tooth wear
— Muscle pain and spasms
— Dysfunction of the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ or TMD)
— Headaches
— Loss of Facial Aesthetics
— Sensitivity of Teeth
— Phlegmon
— Immobilised teeth and fractures
— Sleep disorders

How do you protect your teeth?

To prevent further damage to your teeth for people suffering from bruxism, you can make a special retainer (tray).  The retainer is cast for each individually formed to fit your teeth perfectly.  Dentists recommend to wear it at night on the upper or lower teeth.  This will help prevent further erosion of the tooth enamel.  But, at a later stage of the problem, treatment may be necessary to repair damaged teeth.  Dental filings, crowns or incrustations can replace damaged tooth surfaces.  In extreme cases, the removal of severely damaged teeth may be unavaoidable.

However, the treatment of this disease in the early stages of development is significant and much more effective.  Therefore, watch yourself and be attentive to your loved ones, pay attention to their behaviour during sleep, in order to avoid the unpleasant consequences of bruxism.