Helping Canterbury teeth grinders understand the causes and consequences of this common problem. Bruxism, or teeth grinding, can be a very tricky problem to detect with one of the main reasons being that it often happens while we are asleep. … What Causes Bruxism And How Does It Affect Our Teeth? Read More » The post What Causes Bruxism And How Does It Affect Our Teeth? first appeared on .
Helping Canterbury teeth grinders understand the causes and consequences of this common problem.
Bruxism, or teeth grinding, can be a very tricky problem to detect with one of the main reasons being that it often happens while we are asleep. There are a few theories why this might be the case, with underlying stress that is not easy to “switch off”, the most likely according to research.
In some cases, people are not even aware that they suffer from this problem until they see their dentist. There are a number of dental related issues that can be caused by bruxism and this can be a good way to detect it. Those problems will also need to be treated and the team at Bradley and Partners Dental & Implant Clinic can help.
First let’s take a look at some of the problems that teeth grinding can cause.
Worn enamel and sensitive teeth
One of the most common problems caused by the grinding together of teeth, is the wearing down of the tooth enamel. This is even more likely where teeth are misaligned and don’t meet quite as they should. When the enamel erodes, three things might happen. Firstly, it can weaken the tooth and dependant on the extent of the wearing, this can mean that the tooth is more prone to damage such as breakages. Secondly, if the wearing down has exposed the dentin layer below it, bacteria can enter and tooth decay and possibly root canal infections may follow. Thirdly, and most commonly, our patients may notice an increase in sensitivity of the teeth. This can initially be quite mild but as it progresses, it can prove to be painful to eat or drink hot or cold foods and drinks.
Chipped and cracked teeth
If the force applied when grinding teeth together is significant, it is quite possible that there will be some minor damage. This is likely to be in the forms of chips and cracks appearing in the teeth. These can weaken the structure of a tooth, making it more likely to break further. As with worn enamel, it can also expose the inner part, making decay more likely. Even minor chips that are largely cosmetic can be problematic though. The tiniest of chips in a tooth can cause sharp edges and this can make eating more uncomfortable, sometimes leading to cuts and grazes of the soft tissue of the mouth. These could also possibly become infected, so even if you think that this type of damage is minor, you should consult our popular Canterbury dentists for further advice and possibly treatment.
Shortened teeth
If teeth meet on the surface when ground together, this can lead to them becoming shorter over time. Any damage to the tooth enamel increases the risk of further damage or decay, but in this case, it can also have an effect on the appearance of your smile. If some teeth are shorter than those around them, this can distract from an otherwise pleasant smile. Crowns can be used to correct tooth height problems, but as with other solutions, these can’t be fully beneficial until the grinding has ceased.
Broken teeth
While this is not as common as eroded enamel, it is possible for a tooth to break or shatter. This is most likely to happen when a tooth is already weakened and where a significant amount of force is used, again possibly stress related. This is why it is important that you address any issues relating to bruxism as soon as you can to hopefully avoid this advanced stage.
TMJ
TMJ (Temporomandibular disorders) affect the jaw hinge and the muscles around it. This can lead to some discomfort and can result in grating of the jaw, headaches and neck pain amongst other things. It can be quite uncomfortable and if you are experiencing these problems, it could be due to your night-time teeth grinding so please do mention this to your dentist.
Treating the problem
So how can this problem be treated? First of all, the most important thing is to address any stress that might be causing the problem. This might be a long term thing and you may need to see your GP for help. Relaxation methods and meditation etc may also help. We can help you along the way but restorations will be most effective once you have stopped grinding your teeth. The type of restorations used will very much depend on the damage done but may be one or a combination of fillings, dental veneers, crowns, and where the damage is so significant that a tooth has to be extracted, dental implants, to replace them.
Teeth grinding can be distressing enough as it means that significant stress might be present. The damage that it can cause to your teeth only adds to that so it is important that your dentist is involved in protecting and restoring any tooth damage caused in this way.
If you have noticed any problems such as those mentioned above, please contact Bradley and Partners Dental & Implant Clinic for advice. We are here to help you overcome bruxism and we can also help to restore your smile more permanently once the problem has passed. To talk to our team or to arrange a consultation, please call us on 01227 463529.
The post What Causes Bruxism And How Does It Affect Our Teeth? first appeared on .
