Bruxism

Bruxism is a condition that people grind or clench their teeth.   People who grind or clench their teeth during the day and during their sleep regularly are likely to have dental problems, headaches, facial or jaw pain, and temporomandibular joint disorder.   Awake bruxism is teeth grinding or clenching during the day. Sleep bruxism is teeth grinding or clenching during sleep.  People who have sleep bruxism may have other sleep disorders, such as snoring and sleep apnea.

The exact cause of bruxism is unclear.  These are possible causes of bruxism:

·       Stress & anxiety

·       Abnormal bite, malocclusion (teeth do not meet properly when the jaw closes)

·       Missing or crooked teeth

·       Sleep disorders: snoring, sleep apnea

Signs & symptoms of bruxism may include:

·       Teeth grinding or clenching may be loud enough to wake up your sleep partner

·       Teeth that are flattened, fractured, chipped or loose

·       Worn tooth enamel, exposing deeper layers of your tooth

·       Increased tooth pain or sensitivity

·       Tired or tight jaw muscles, or a locked jaw that won’t open or close completely

·       Jaw, neck or face pain or soreness

·       Pain that feels like an earache

·       Dull headache starting in the temples

·       Sleep disruption

·       Wake up in the morning with jaw pain

Dangers of bruxism

·       Wear down tooth enamel, damage to dental fillings and crowns

·       Tension-type headaches

·       Facial or jaw pain

·       Temporomandibular joint disorder

Factors increase risk of bruxism

·       A study in the November 2016 issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association suggests that teeth grinding is also associated with alcohol and tobacco use.  People who drink alcohol and use tobacco are twice likely to grind their teeth.

·       Stress, anxiety, anger,  and frustration

·       Personality type:  person who is aggressive, competitive or hyperactive can increase the risk of bruxism

·       Smoking tobacco, drinking caffeinated beverages or alcohol, or use of recreational drugs may increase the risk of bruxism.

·       Bruxism can be associated with some mental health and medical conditions: Parkinson’s disease, dementia, gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), epilepsy, sleep apnea and attention deficit disorder.

Treatment for bruxism

·       Recommend a sleep study to rule out an airway issue

·       Mouth guard fitted by the dentist.  Mouth guard is worn to protect the teeth

·       Dietary changes

·       life style changes

Prevention

·       Stress and anxiety management may help reduce or prevent bruxism

·       Good sleep hygiene: cool dark, quiet room to sleep in

·       Avoid foods and drinks that contain high concentration of caffeine or alcohol

Bruxism can create serious problems for oral health. If you notice that you grind or clench your teeth during the day or you wake up in the morning with jaw pain, call for a consultation with Dr. Anna Lee.  She can help you, diagnose the problem and provide treatment options.  Dr. Anna Lee is a general & cosmetic dentist in Glendora, CA.  Call our office at 626-335-5114 for a dental checkup or visit us at www.annaleedds.com.

How do I take care of porcelain veneers?

The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) suggests brushing and flossing just as you would your regular teeth. Proper daily tooth brushing and use of non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste is ideal. Consider limiting coffee and other stain-inducing foods.

Keep in mind that veneers will need to be replaced at some point; no matter how well you take care of them. But proper oral hygiene will help porcelain veneers last as long as possible.

If you're deciding on veneers, consult with your Glendora dentist and be sure you understand every part of the process and cost. A beautiful smile feels great and can increase both your confidence and well-being.

These are some of the things you can do to take care of your porcelain veneers:

·          

       Avoid chewing on hard foods or non-food items

 Biting hard candies, chewing ice

 Chewing on pens, biting nails, opening packages with teeth can cause chipping and cracking of the porcelain veneers.

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     Regular dental checkups are important.  Porcelain veneers can collect plaque and tartar buildup the same way natural teeth do, which is why it is important to keep up with your dental hygiene. Brush your teeth twice per day, floss daily, and keep your dental cleanings to at least every 6 months.

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     Teeth grinding can cause chipping and damages to porcelain veneers.  Talk to your dentist, as you may need to wear a protective occlusal or bite guard to protect both your natural teeth and teeth with porcelain veneers.

What is Bruxism?

Bruxism is a condition that people clench their teeth during the day time or grind their teeth at night. 

Clenching occurs when the upper and lower teeth are held tightly together. Grinding occurs when upper and lower teeth slide back and forth over each other. 

Many people clench and grind their teeth from time to time and do not have any problems. 

Occasionally bruxism (teeth clenching and grinding) does not usually cause harm, but when the condition occurs on a regular basis the teeth can be damaged and other oral health complications can arise.