Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) Treatment
Mt Laurel, NJ
Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) Treatment provided by Dr. Fizza Jaffery
in Mt Laurel, NJ at Union Mill Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center
 Bruxism is a condition that occurs when you involuntarily clench, grind, or gnash your teeth. This often happens without awareness, whether during waking hours or while asleep. Common triggers include stress, anxiety, sleep disorders, and certain medications. Many people experiencing teeth grinding find relief by using a personalized mouth guard. Nonetheless, it is recommended that a proper dental examination is performed before getting any solution. At Union Mill Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center, we offer dentistry services to all patients who suffer from bruxism. You can rely on our experts to learn more about teeth grinding and how to get rid of it.
Types of Bruxism
There are two main types of bruxism: sleep bruxism and awake bruxism. Differentiating between awake and asleep bruxism is essential, as they present unique conditions despite being caused by teeth grinding.
Awake Bruxism
This type of bruxism occurs when grinding or clenching happens exclusively during waking hours. Treatment may not be necessary if awareness is increased and stress is reduced. Emotions like anxiety, stress, or anger can trigger teeth grinding, and intense concentration may help solve the problem.
Sleep Bruxism
Grinding or clenching your teeth while asleep can be more detrimental than doing so while awake because you are unaware of it. Individuals with sleep bruxism often require treatment to mitigate its effects. This type of grinding only occurs at night and can be quite intense. Parents are urged to monitor their children for any potential signs of teeth grinding when they are asleep.
Bruxism Causes
Bruxism can stem from various factors, depending on the type of bruxism being considered. Primary bruxism, which occurs independently without being linked to another condition, can be traced down to the following risk factors.
Growing Teeth
Most young children experience bruxism during periods of tooth growth. Fortunately, this usually resolves as the teeth and jaw develop, causing minimal lasting harm.
Misaligned Bite
For some individuals, bruxism may arise due to an improperly aligned bite or missing teeth. This could lead to mouth irritation and subsequent grinding or clenching. Those who feel discomfort due to bite misalignments are required to get bite correction treatment.
Stress and Anxiety
The primary cause of bruxism in adults is stress. Stress can trigger grinding or clenching both during sleep and while awake. While research has indicated a significant association between stress and bruxism, further studies are needed to comprehend this relationship fully.
Smoking and Substance Abuse
Smoking, alcohol consumption, and caffeine intake have been linked to bruxism. Studies suggest that individuals who smoke or drink regularly are twice as likely to experience bruxism, while those consuming excessive caffeine are 1.5 times more prone to it.
Bruxism Treatment
In many instances, treatment may not be necessary for children suffering from bruxism. A lot of children naturally grow out of bruxism without needing treatment, and many adults do not experience severe enough teeth grinding or clenching to warrant therapy. However, if the issue is severe, there are options available, including dental procedures, treatments, and medications aimed at preventing further tooth damage and alleviating jaw discomfort.
If you or your child has bruxism, your doctor might suggest methods to preserve or enhance your teeth. While these techniques can help prevent or correct tooth wear, they may not eliminate bruxism. These methods include:
Wearing Occlusal Splints and Mouthguards
Occlusal splints are devices designed to keep the teeth apart, preventing damage from clenching and grinding. They can be made of hard acrylic or softer materials and are worn over the upper or lower teeth. Night mouthguards are the most common because they are soft.
Dental Corrections
In severe cases of difficulty in chewing as a result of bruxism, our oral surgeon may reshape the chewing surfaces of your teeth or utilize crowns to repair the damage. In most cases, this treatment is applied to adults.
Botox Treatment
In severe cases of bruxism, injections of botulinum toxin, commonly known as Botox, can be administered to paralyze the muscles responsible for sleep bruxism, thereby halting teeth grinding. However, Botox injections can be costly, necessitating regular injections to sustain its effects. Botox treatments entail injecting the body with muscle relaxants to enhance functionality.
Treating Underlying Conditions
Addressing underlying conditions is another approach. If an individual with bruxism also experiences stress, anxiety, or depression, seeking assistance for these mental health issues may alleviate their teeth grinding. Treatment for these conditions involves a combination of counseling and medication to relieve symptoms. However, since certain stress management medications can induce bruxism as a side effect, starting with therapy might be preferable.
Bruxism Home Remedies
Since bruxism is a condition that can go away naturally, you may be able to manage it at home. This is especially true for children since they can outgrow the condition in a few years. Here are some lifestyle adjustments and home remedies that could prevent or alleviate bruxism:
Stress Reduction
Engage in activities like listening to music, taking warm baths, or exercising to relax, potentially lowering the likelihood of developing bruxism. If anxiety is the cause of your bruxism, relaxing activities will help you control the condition.
Avoid Stimulants Before Bed
Steer clear of caffeine from coffee or tea after dinner, and abstain from alcohol in the evening. These substances can aggravate bruxism symptoms.
Prioritize Quality Sleep
Establishing good sleep hygiene, possibly with treatment for any sleep disorders, might help lessen bruxism episodes. If you share a bed, ask your partner to listen for any grinding or clicking noises you make during sleep so that you can report these to your oral surgeon.
Regular Dental Checkups
Routine dental examinations are essential for detecting bruxism. Your oral surgeon can identify signs of bruxism in your mouth and jaw during these visits. To avoid a situation where the condition develops further, you need to see an oral surgeon regularly. Visiting our dental office will also help you manage the condition.
Bruxism FAQs
If you think you may be suffering from bruxism, you may want to know how exactly it works. Here are a few questions that may help you clear your mind.
Could Grinding Teeth Cause Ringing in the Ears?
There is a chance that teeth grinding and ringing in the ears could be connected. The American Tinnitus Association suggests that tinnitus might develop if the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is harmed. Since bruxism impacts this joint directly, it could trigger tinnitus.
Is Teeth Grinding Passed Down Genetically?
An earlier examination of past studies found indications that teeth clenching might be inherited. Yet, no research has pinpointed the exact genes linked to it, and genetics likely plays just one part among several contributing factors.
Contact Us Today!
To find out if you suffer from serious bruxism, it is necessary to undergo a dental exam. At Union Mill Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center, we check everything before prescribing a treatment. To find out more about your condition, call us at (856) 437-5225 to make an appointment to speak with our surgeon. |
