 Bruxism/ Teeth Grinding |
| What is Bruxism? |
| Grinding of Teeth, also known as Bruxism, occurs in children as well as adults. Grinding of teeth generally occurs during sleep. The habit may soon remove critical portions of healthy enamel from the chewing surfaces of the teeth and may cause facial pain. In addition to grinding teeth, bruxers also may bite their fingernails, pencils and chew the inside of their cheek. |
 |
| Before After |
| People usually aren't diagnosed with bruxism until it is too late because so many people don't realize they have the habit. Others mistakenly believe that their teeth must touch at all times. About one in three people suffer from bruxism, which can easily be treated by a dentist. Women have a higher prevalence of bruxism possibly because they are more likely to experience tissue alterations in the jaw resulting from clenching and grinding. Tongue indentations are another sign of clenching. It can also cause stress fractures in the teeth. |
| What if my Child is Grinding His or Her Teeth? |
| Children often grind their teeth when their teeth are erupting. This is not uncommon, nor is it a problem if it is mild. However, more severe cases can lead to a malocclusion. Malocclusion generally leads to a need for Orthodontics or the child can develop TMJ problems. If you have any concerns about your child's grinding of teeth, be sure to have our panel dentist check for signs of excessive wear so a simple cure can be used to prevent serious problems. |
| What about Bruxism in Adults? |
Adults may grind their teeth at night due to:
- Malocclusion
- Lifestyle Stress
- Anger
- Pain
- Frustration
The result of bruxism can be:
- Teeth grinding noise that sometimes disrupts the partner's sleep
- Worn spots (attrition) that can lead to:
- Malocclusion(if the patient doesn't have already)
- Sensitivity
- TMJ problems
- Brittle teeth that require crowns
|
| How can Bruxism be cured? |
The objective of therapy is to make patient understand the behavioral pattern and how to rest the tongue, teeth and lips properly. Sometimes, the damage caused by bruxism must be addressed first. Any malocclusion, sensitivity, brittle teeth, or TMJ problems should be discussed with the chosen dentists first to be sure those problems are resolved and that the subsequent cure for bruxism prevents a recurrence of those problems. Bruxism itself can easily be cured with a simple mouth guard that is worn during sleep. However, the dentist can make a plastic mouth appliance, such as a NIGHT-GUARD or occlusal splint, that's worn to absorb the force of biting. It forms a barrier between the top and bottom teeth to stop the grinding of the two arches. This guard is comfortable and easy to become accustomed to. This appliance can prevent future damage to the teeth and helps change the patient's destructive behaviour. Contact Us for an appointment to stop the damage caused by bruxism and corrects any serious problems. |
| NTI Tension Suppression System (NTI-tss) |
 People with migraine pain suffer a lot. Medical examinations often show, however, that they're otherwise perfectly healthy. A recent medical study confirms that people who suffer migraine pain and chronic headache clench their jaws in a balanced, centered position. This causes extremely intense muscular contraction, but little strain on the jaw. |
Nighttime jaw clenching usually goes unnoticed - but it sets the stage for migraine pain and chronic headache pain. The NTI Tension Suppression System (NTI-tss) is the only non-drug; non-surgical device cleared by the FDA for prevention of medically diagnosed migraine pain and jaw disorders through the reduction of trigeminally innervated muscular activity.
Midtown Dental now offers the NTI-tss that reduces clenching intensity. The NTI-tss is a small, nearly invisible removable device that you'll wear when you are asleep. You can also be fitted with a removable NTI-tss to wear all day long. |
