|  Dentists
who treat teeth grinding
http://www.saveyoursmile.com/healtharticles/bruxism.htmlDo
you suffer from painful jaws or experience headaches in the morning ? Does your
spouse complain that you keep him or her up all night ? Have your teeth become
more sensitive to cold , touch, or other stimuli ? If so you may be one of the
millions of people who unknowingly suffers from bruxism (tooth grinding). Try
Bruxism Nightguard What is Bruxism ? Bruxism, commonly known as tooth
grinding, is the the clenching together of the bottom and upper jaw accompanied
by the grinding of the lower set of teeth with the upper set. Bruxism affects
between 10-50% of the population depending on the particular study sited. Bruxism
is a subconscious behavior so many people do not realize that they are doing it
! Often it is the partner who tells them about the nighttime sounds that their
bruxism produces.
Although it can occur during the waking hours, bruxism
most frequently occurs while we sleep. During sleep, the biting force (the force
at which the jaws clench together) can be up to six times greater than the pressure
during waking hours. Consequently, significant damage is much more likely to occur
with this nighttime bruxism.
http://www.atlantacenterforcosmeticdentistry.com/dental/faq17.jsp
Q:
What is bruxism?
A: If you wake up with dull headaches or vise-like pain, you
may be one of many people who grind their teeth at night. Many people are unaware
they even have the disorder (called bruxism) because it often occurs at night
during sleep. Your dentist can usually detect the telltale signs of wear on your
teeth. Bruxism is the technical term for grinding and clenching that abrades teeth
and may cause facial pain. People who grind and clench, called bruxers, unintentionally
bite down too hard at inappropriate times, such as in their sleep. In addition
to grinding teeth, bruxers also may bite their fingernails, pencils and chew the
inside of their cheek. People usually aren't diagnosed with bruxism until it is
too late because so many people don't realize they have the habit. Others mistakenly
believe that their teeth must touch at all times. About one in four people suffer
from bruxism, which can easily be treated by a dentist.
Q: Can bruxism
cause harm?
A: Bruxism can either directly or indirectly cause many problems.
Grinding can cause teeth to become painful or loose. Patients can literally grind
away parts of their teeth, leaving them with worn surfaces or fractured enamel.
People who have otherwise healthy teeth and gums can clench so often and so hard
that over time their teeth become sensitive and they experience jaw pain and headaches.
Forceful biting when not eating may cause the jaw to move out of proper balance.
Q: What are the signs of bruxism?
A: Grinding is a common occurrence
among many people at some time or another. If you develop facial pain, fatigue
or other problems, treatment may be needed. Talk with your dentist if you suspect
that you are grinding your teeth. During regular dental visits, we usually check
for physical signs of bruxism. If we notice signs of bruxism, the condition may
be observed over several visits to be sure of the problem before recommending
and starting therapy. When a person has bruxism, the tips of the teeth look flat.
Teeth are worn down so much that the enamel is rubbed off, exposing the inside
of the tooth, which is called dentin. When exposed, dentin may become sensitive.
Bruxers may experience pain in their temporomandibular joint (TMJ)-the jaw-which
may manifest itself as popping and clicking. Women, who are more susceptible to
TMD, also have a higher prevalence of bruxism possibly because they are more likely
to experience tissue alterations in the jaw resulting from clenching and grinding.
Tongue indentations are another sign of clenching. Stress and certain personality
types are at the root of bruxism. For as long as humankind has existed, bruxism
has affected people with nervous tension. Anger, pain and frustration can trigger
bruxing. People who are aggressive, competitive and hurried also may be at greater
risk for bruxism. Q: What causes bruxism?
A: More research is needed
to determine the exact cause of bruxism, but it is thought that both emotional
and physical factors are involved. Some of the contributing factors may be stress
or sleep disorders, an abnormal bite or crooked or missing teeth. Q: What
can be done about bruxism?
A: There are a number of ways to treat bruxism.
Your dentist will determine which single treatment or combination of treatments
is right for you. When stress is the major cause of bruxism, people need to find
ways to relax. People who have difficulty handling stress may need to seek counseling
or the dentist may prescribe muscle relaxants to relax jaw muscles. We many times
can prescribe a night guard, which prevents grinding from occurring during sleep.
To help alleviate muscle pain, physical therapy may be needed. The objective of
therapy is to get the bruxer to change behavior by learning how to rest the tongue,
teeth and lips properly. When some people become aware of their problem, simply
advising them to rest their tongue upward with teeth apart and lips shut may be
enough to change their behavior and relieve discomfort. However, the dentist can
make a plastic mouth appliance, such as a night guard that's worn to absorb the
force of biting which causes damage and pain and also helps to change patient
behavior. Q: Why might a night guard or other protective appliance be advisable?
A:
If designed correctly, nighttime appliances help keep teeth from moving, protect
ceramic restorations, and protect teeth from wear damage caused by grinding or
clenching. A night guard is a plastic mouth guard worn at night to prevent tooth
grinding. A bite plate is a removable plastic device, which prevents teeth from
coming together. In some cases, such as with an overbite, it may eventually improve
the bite. A method used to treat the damage caused by more serious cases of grinding
involves reshaping or reconstruction of the biting surfaces with crowns or inlays
or a full mouth |  |
 Latest
news
 http://upliftprogram.com/h_social.html
Studies which highlight changing sociological patterns, how they affect individuals
and families, and how they relate to our evolutionary heritage. Written and presented
by leading psychologist Dr Bob Murray, cofounder of the Uplift Program for happiness
and relationships and the Fortinberry Murray Method of somatic and evolutionary
psychology. Updated fortnightly.
http://www.parentcenter.com/tips/25038.html
is
grinding your teeth hereditary? I know I did it as a child but I don't know about
my usband?
02/07/2004
ok, the article says that it is normal and
that it does not create lasting damage and yet a LOT of parents of children with
this probelm have said it does. Hmmmmm, well, my son is at this very moment grinding
his teeth. I think I did when I was younger. I may still sometimes because I have
terrible dreams about all my teeth falling and shrinks say that may be related
to it. Also my husband does sometimes terriblely. So, I guess the question is
here then, what do we do for our child? I don't know, but if the traditional medical
community doesn't have a good answer, I am going to the "witch
doctors"
to find out. I can't sleep when he grinds his teeth!!!!! Marianne Escobedo 02/12/2004
My 5 1/2 year old son grinds his teeth so loud that is
seems he
will grind them away to his gums. I don't know
what to do. His doctor and
dentist say not to worry
about it, but it sounds horrible. Any advice on what
I can do? he has been doing it since he has gotten teeth,
it does not
look like he will outgrow it. Please help.
Please help 02/13/2004
My
soon to be 3 year old grinds his teeth at night. They have shown significant wear
and now he is complaining about his teeth hurting. Is it possible to have something
done now to prevent any more damage to his baby teeth?
Heather 02/15/200
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