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Clenching, Tooth Grinding, & Bruxism

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Gum Recession Solution

Most patients are completely unaware that they might be grinding or clenching teeth or bruxism while sleeping, inadvertently setting themselves up for dental problems in the near to middle future. For instance, many people sleep on their sides or stomach, placing their teeth into positions that they would not ordinarily be in during the day. They also tend to bite down much harder when their conscious mind is largely inactive and unable to control bite force.

Nocturnal tooth grinders often place between 300% and 1,000% of daytime biting pressure on their teeth when clenching or grinding teeth at night. Grinding and clenching, known collectively as “bruxism,” occur in brief but intense bursts while sleeping, usually during the delta phase of sleep. Over time, the hard, protective enamel coating of the teeth wears off, and the tooth interior starts to fray and fracture.

Worn tooth surfaces due to bruxism are prone to decay, as bacteria can easily penetrate the soft dentin as it is exposed by destruction of the enamel. Many of these teeth fracture, especially if silver mercury fillings are present. Some teeth develop root fractures requiring root canals or outright extraction. Gum recession, tooth mobility, damage to the jaw joint (TMJ), and bone loss can also result from this type of wear.

It is estimated that between 25% and 50% of people cause damage to their teeth through nocturnal grinding. There are several types of bite guards that can be used to prevent damage from bruxism. Each must be custom fitted and custom made for the individual patient. Depending on the dentist’s assessment of the situation and the patient’s needs, they can be hard or soft, thick or thin, and fitted to either the upper or lower teeth.

tooth clenching
Some additional facts about bruxism include:

  • Bruxism is a leading cause of tooth loss, gum recession, joint noises, and TMJ joint disease.
  • Tooth gnashing is audible and any person who sleeps near you may be able to warn you if you have bruxism.
  • Other symptoms of bruxism include visibly worn teeth, sensitive teeth, headaches, earaches, or facial pain, tired muscles in your face and jaw, and bite marks on the inside of your cheeks or on your tongue. Check for these symptoms periodically.
  • Stress and suppressed emotions are believed to be major causes of bruxism in adults. Low level discomfort from tooth growth is likely the trigger in children.
  • Stress management often helps to alleviate bruxism, including exercise or other types of constructive relaxation. Bite guards may still be necessary, though, as these measures may only partly reduce the incidence or severity of tooth clenching and grinding.
  • Tooth grinding and bruxism may lead to fractured teeth, root canals, and tooth loss.

Nightguards, and NTI appliances

Dentist may prescribe a variety of oral appliances to both reduce the discomfort and destruction of teeth clenching and bruxism. There are hard, hard-soft, and soft nightguards that can be prescribed and individually fitted by the dentist. These can be worn on either the upper or lower teeth. Other varieties are NTI-TSS device (short for nociceptive trigeminal inhibition tension suppression system), or orthodontics, or complex restorative dentistry.

Call us at 630-749-2523 or request an appointment today.

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