Teeth grinding
Written by Dentist Rune Skou, 2008-20-12Last update: 2009-05-12
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a common and unpleasant complaint.
How it works:
Bruxism is diagnosed when teeth grinding occurs without a patient being aware of it. The grinding often only happens during sleep, and can get worse during stressful periods.
If left untreated, bruxism can lead to tooth pain, jaw joint and chewing muscle problems, and increased wear of the occlusal surfaces.
The body’s defence mechanisms:
The body’s only defence mechanism is pain: when you feel tooth pain, it can be a signal to get checked for Bruxism.
Risk factors:
Bruxism occurs most often during stressful periods.
Prevention:
To avoid the condition, practise relaxing your jaw muscles and massaging and stretching your chewing muscles. If they tighten up, practise forcing them to relax.
If you’ve been given a bite splint, practise using it according to your dentist’s instructions and remember to take it with you to every future consultation.
What will your dentist/dental hygienist do?
Your dentist/dental hygienist will advise you how to avoid damage to your teeth and musculature and will, if necessary, craft a bite splint to protect your teeth from the grinding.