Bruxism
Bruxism
What Is Bruxism?
Bruxism is a condition in which you grind, clench, or chew more so than usual. If you have bruxism you may unconsciously clench/grind your teeth either when you’re awake or when you’re asleep. Bruxism can lead to excessive wear on your teeth which may cause;
Excessive clenching/grinding is a very unhealthy action that can occur in both adults and children, and can occur at any time of the day or night.
What Causes Bruxism?
The cause of bruxism are still being studied, but it is believed that psychological and physical factors could be contributing to bruxism:
Signs And Symptoms
Treatment For Bruxism
Treatment for bruxism revolves around repairing the damage to teeth that has already occurred, and via one or more of several available methods, attempting to prevent further damage and manage symptoms. Bruxism can cause significant tooth wear if it is severe, and sometimes dental restorations (crowns, fillings etc.) are damaged or lost. If stress is the cause of you grinding your teeth, ask your dentist about options to reduce your stress.
Your dentist can fit you with a mouth guard (known as an occlusal splint) that protects your teeth from grinding during sleep. An occlusal splint is custom made to fit over your upper teeth.