Bruxism is a cranio-mandibular dysfunction or temporomandibular joint disorder caused by a number of different factors, both physical and psychological. The range from neuromuscular disorders to dental mal-positions, skeletal discrepancies between the maxilla and mandible to stress and anxiety to para-functions (nail biting, excessive gum chewing, etc.). Bellevue Dental Clinic has dealt with this type of oral situation on a regular basis. If you are suffering from bruxism, it is important that you contact your dentist to schedule a consult.
Types of bruxism
* Awake :- This type is characterized by clenching and observing premature wear of the teeth, primarily in molars. You will also notice pain in the masticatory muscles, mainly in the temporo-mandibular joint area and around the ear, near the proximity of said anatomical structures.
* Night :- This is characterized by a grinding, or rubbing, between the teeth of the upper and lower jaws. There will be some wear of the facets and grooves in the teeth. This wear can produce a loss of more than half of the dental crowns, resulting in hypersensitivity, and inadequate chewing.
In both types, a person may hear the jaw joint “click”, indicating involvement of the temporo-mandibular joint. At this point, it is vital to see a dentist at the Ana Bella Dental Clinic in order to stop the progression.
What can you do?
The first thing a person can do is analyze the root cause, or factors, that generated the issue. By doing this, you (and the dentist) will be able to see if you can remove it, as in the case of malocclusion and para-function absences. If the cause is stress or anxiety, your dentist may administer an anxiolytic treatment. If symptoms do not improve, or if the cause cannot be removed or corrected, you must wear a splint. These are made with a rigid acrylic polymer, designed for de-programming the masticatory muscles.
By scheduling a visit to Ana Bella Dentistry, you can decrease tightening and/or teeth grinding. The splint should be used during the hours of sleep and during the day to be effective. If you compete in sports, their use is also recommended. For more information about bruxism, or to learn more about other dental issues, contact Bellevue Dental Clinic today.
Having dental problems? Contact Ana Bella Dental Clinic in Bellevue today for advanced dental treatments and dental care.
