Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

1
Everything You Need to Know About Teeth Grinding
(Bruxism)
2
Introduction

• Bruxism means involuntarily habitual grinding of
  your teeth or jaw clenching, typically during
  sleep.
• Because of this habitual grinding of teeth, an
  acute and unendurable pain is felt in the TMJ.
• There are two main types of bruxism one occurs
  during the day and other occurs during sleep.
• The symptoms and damages caused are almost same
  in both types, the only difference is that the
  symptoms of sleep bruxism tend to be worse on
  waking and improve during the course of the day.

3
Causes

• Teeth grinding can be caused by many factors
  including stress and anxiety.
• Although, it often occurs during sleep and is
  more likely caused by an abnormal bite or missing
  or crooked teeth.
• It can also be caused by a sleep disorder such as
  sleep apnea.

4
Symptoms
Most people suffer bruxism which occurs in night
and hence are unaware of the problem. Bruxism may
show a variety of signs and symptoms including,

• Excessive tooth wear
• Tooth Fracture
• Hypersensitive teeth
• Inflammation of the periodontal ligament of teeth
• A grinding or tapping noise during sleep
  (Sometimes detected by your partner or parent)
• Acute pain in your TMJ
• Headache
• A burning sensation on your tongue

5
Treatment of TMJ Disorder

• The only way to treat bruxism is by the use
  occlusal guards also known as dental guards.
  Avoiding excessive chewing
• Occlusal guards are removable devices that fit
  over the teeth and help prevent clenching or
  grinding of teeth. Correct bite alignment
• These guards needs to be worn during the night to
  prevent grinding of teeth. Anti-inflammatory
  medication
• In some severe cases, if the patient is suffering
  from bruxism during the daytime, occlusal guards
  should be worn in the daytime as well.

6
Contact us

• At Desired Smiles, the pain and discomfort can be
  alleviated with careful treatment and we use a
  number of approaches to reduce muscle tension and
  help you heal your TMJ Disorder.

Address2180 Itabashi Way Unit CBurlington, ON
L7M 5A5Call [phone] or (905)
332-0105Websitewww.desiredsmiles.com/