Welcome Everybody!
In this issue:
Do You Clench or Grind Your Teeth?
Clenching or grinding your teeth while you are asleep is called bruxism. It
is not just an annoyance, it exerts thousands of pounds of pressure
on the biting surfaces of your teeth which can lead to jaw pain and
damage to your teeth. It can also cause damage to the surrounding
bone, gums, and jaw joint. If it goes untreated, bruxism can
cause a number of problems. Among them are;
- Jaw pain
- Ear aches and headaches
- Loosened teeth
- Damage to the bone that surrounds your teeth
- Damage to your jaw joints (the TMJ)
- Tooth sensitivity as the enamel layer is worn down, exposing the
more sensitive dentin layer of your teeth
- Worn-down teeth
What causes bruxism and how do you treat it?
A big cause of grinding and clenching your teeth is stress. There
are a number of stress-reducing techniques that may be helpful. There
are medications we might speak with your physician about to recommend
that can be used to temporarily reduce stress. Medication may
also be prescribed to relieve pain and soreness that are a result of
bruxism.
A bad bite (malocclusion) is another reason for bruxism. A bad
bite can cause spaces between teeth, or worn teeth may also cause you
to clench and grind your teeth. Braces, crowns, bridges, or
other dental restorations can correct your bite and eliminate clenching
and grinding. We may also recommend that you use an orthotic
device (or night guard), a plastic device worn at night
that fits over either your bottom or top teeth. A night guard
can help to eliminate the irregularities of a bad bite and protect
your teeth from the damage caused by grinding. Night guards are
custom-fit for your teeth. If you need a night guard we will
make an impression of your teeth that we will use to create a model. We
use the model to create your custom-fit night guard. During the
following appointment you will try on your night guard and we can adjust
it for a precise fit. Without treatment the constant clenching and
grinding of your teeth can cause widespread damage in and around your
mouth. Treating the problem early can resolve the problem and
prevent many possible future problems. Talk with us if you are
aware of any clenching, grinding, worn tooth, or headache issues; we
can often help.
Have a great holiday weekend!
Dr. Bard J. Levey
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