Bruxism is the medical term for grinding, clenching or gnashing of teeth. This commonly occurs at night but can occur during the day. Risk factors for bruxism include but are not limited to stress and anxiety, sleep apnea, and certain medications. Lifestyle habits such as smoking, drinking alcohol and consuming a lot of caffeine can also cause bruxism.
Common symptoms include headaches, earaches, sore jaw muscles, pain when eating and difficulty opening and closing your mouth. Without proper treatment, bruxism can result in worsening facial pain, tooth erosion, cracked teeth and in severe cases lead to Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ). It is a widespread phenomenon that may affect around 20% of the adult population and 33% of children.
At Downers Dental, we take the time to complete a comprehensive evaluation during your first visit, including for bruxism, and during each subsequent visit. We will discuss if a custom fit night guard (also called occlusal guard) is the right choice for you. A night guard is an appliance that can help prevent teeth from attrition (the loss of tooth from grinding) and can also place your jaw in a more favorable position to reduce TMJ muscle strain. There are several types of night guards, and they offer different advantages and disadvantages.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding bruxism or night guards be sure to schedule your appointment and come see the Downers Dental Difference!
