Teeth grinding / Jaw clenching
Teeth grinding and jaw clenching, medically called bruxism. Most people grind their teeth or clench their jaw from time to time and as long as it is occasionally it does not usually cause harm. When the grinding instead happens on a regular basis it can damage the teeth and joints and cause jaw pain and headache. With the right treatment it could be eased or completely resolved.
Why do I grind my teeth?
Grinding and clenching teeth can be caused by stress and anxiety or due to a sleeping disorder such as sleep apnea. Another common reason is false occlusion (unstable bite) due to for example missing or crooked teeth. As grinding often occurs during sleep most people are unaware that they are doing it but symptoms like a sore jaw when you wake up or a constant dull headache is often an indicator. Many people learn that they are grinding teeth through their partner who hears it at night.
When our occlusion (bite) is developed during childhood it is formed by many factors such as tooth change, muscles, tongue and habits. For most people the bite doesn’t turn out perfectly but can still be used well and without causing any problems. For some however, the bite gets too unstable and the person starts to grind the teeth trying to adapt. An unstable occlusion can also be a result from changes in the bite such as fillings or crowns, where the effect on the bite has not been taken fully in consideration. It is important that the dentist always makes sure that every change he or she does in the occlusion, does not create interference in the bite that can potentially harm the teeth, muscles and joints in the long term.
Solving problems with the occlusion has always been one of the most difficult parts in dentistry but at the same time one on the most important. Therefore we at ZahnCity have taken it to the next level with further educations in bite-, jaw- and joint problems. Most important is to not only focus on the teeth and bite, but to understand that everything is interrelated and therefore also include the two other major components: muscles and joints. An instable occlusion makes the lower jaw slide to the side when biting together. This sliding also means a change in the joints position, causing a compensating reaction from the muscles to stabilize and prevent damage in the joints. This everyday compensation from the muscles together with the instable occlusion leads with time to excessive wear of the teeth, pain in muscles and headache. Bruxism can sometimes also cause or worsen disorders in the joints creating pain, “clicking” sounds and difficulties in moving the jaw.
What can happen if I do not treat it?
If not treated, bruxism can lead to loose, fractured or lost teeth. The excessive loss of tooth substance can leave the teeth as stumps and treatments such as root canal treatments, crowns, bridges and implants may be needed. Bruxism may also affect the joints and muscles which can lead to pain, cause or worsening of joint disorders and headache.
What can I do to stop grinding?
First, you need to contact a dentist who will have a look at your teeth and jaw in search for signs of bruxism.
In most cases the first treatment option is a night guard, also called mouth splint or mouth guard, which is used during the night and can be worn in either the upper or the lower jaw. With impressions of the teeth and special bite registrations, our dental technicians can see exactly how the patient is grinding and which teeth that are causing the bite instability. With this knowledge an individualized mouth splint can be made where a stable bite is created. A stable bite means no shifting of lower jaw and joints and therefore also no need for the muscles to compensate and stabilize. At the same time the splint protects the teeth as well as preventing the teeth from moving over time.
If the results from the splint are good, there is a possibility to create the same stable bite permanently in the mouth. With individual guides from the dental technicians the dentist can create a more stable and comfortable occlusion, often by a combination of polishing and ceramic or composite built up.
More questions? Contact us at ZahnCity if you suspect you may be grinding your teeth. We will examine your teeth, joints and muscles for signs of bruxism and help you find a suitable treatment option.
