Bruxism

A parafunctional habit that occurs when the patient unconsciously grinds the teeth rhythmically during sleep or less harmfully, during the day.

If the patient wakes up with sore jaw muscles and headaches he may be suffering from bruxism (clenching). Bruxism can cause pain and tooth mobility and loss of tooth structure by attrition. Can eventually destroy the gums and bone surrounding or lead to dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint.

  

How to know if you have Bruxism?

For most people bruxism is an involuntary act and may not realize they do until someone heard the noise while sleeping or dentist / doctor alert them of the tooth wear. Other potential symptoms are pain in the face, head and neck.

How is bruxism treated?

The patient may be advised to sleep with an occlusal splint. This device is made starting from a model of the patient's teeth and covers the upper teeth, thus preventing them to wear. This product only reduces tooth wear but does not cure bruxism so it's very important to minimize stress (responsible for bruxism). It is also very important to improve the occlusion (bite) through orthodontics, crowns or elimination of premature contacts.