Headaches, Teeth Grinding, Jaw Joint Problems
Bruxing is a term used to describe tooth grinding and clenching. Each involves squeezing the upper and lower teeth together. When the teeth are clenched they remain in place, but during grinding the lower teeth move around.
The cause of bruxism is believed to be stress. Bruxers typically go through periods when they stop followed by periods when they resume the habit. Eighty percent of them are not aware that they brux.
Bruxing most frequently occurs when a person is not talking and stationary, such as when sleeping, working on a computer, driving, reading, and watching television. Bruxing can cause several problems such as:
Tooth Movement
Tooth movement. As the upper and lower teeth continuously slide across each other some of them can move or tip.
Tooth Cracks
Tooth cracks. Teeth are the hardest part of the body, but during bruxism a tooth gets squeezed by something that is just as hard-another tooth. And the continuous squeezing can cause one of the teeth to crack. When a tooth cracks it can become sensitive to pressure, cold, sweet, or hot sensations. It then often needs a crown or on-lay to cover its outer layer and hold the tooth together like a cast can stabilize a broken bone. It also sometimes needs root canal therapy to remove the sensitive nerves from the inner layer. Sometimes a small bone crack does not need a cast. Similarly, if a small crack in a tooth can be discovered before it spreads, and if the tooth can be protected from further trauma, the tooth may not need a crown or on-lay.
Jaw Pain, Headaches or Migraines
Jaw pain, headaches, or migraines. The forces needed to enable teeth to wear through each other are very large, and eventually the jaw muscles that are involved in clenching and grinding can become sensitive, stiff, or tender. It is possible to determine if you are bruxing. Sometimes friends or family members can hear when a bruxer rubs his teeth together or see his lower jaw sliding around. One can look at the biting surfaces of his teeth. Bruxing eventually causes the normally sharp or rounded edges to become flat and smooth.
Bruxing can cause damage to the teeth and jaw muscles and bones. Bruxers are rarely aware of their habit and thus no predictable way exists for people to break the habit by themselves. Unexplained tooth or jaw pain, headaches, or migraines may be due to bruxism. Dentists who treat this problem can often make an occlusal splint, a removable gadget to protect bruxers from further damage, relieve the pain and in some instances break the habit. Untreated bruxism can lead to TMJ problems.
If you need immediate care, contact us at 610-906-8882.
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Headaches, Teeth Grinding, Jaw Joint Problems
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