What is Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)?

Bruxism is the dental term for teeth grinding. Most people grind their teeth from time to time with little to no damage to the teeth or jaw. However, those who continually grind their teeth can cause serious damage to their teeth and other oral health complications can arise.

Bruxism refers to any type of forceful contact between the teeth. This can be a loud and grating contact or a silent and clenching contact. Either form can cause serious damage to the teeth. Many aren’t aware that they have the condition because they grind their teeth only in their sleep. However, bruxism can occur during waking hours as well.

Adults and children both can suffer from the condition. Alcohol, drugs, and certain sleep disorders can exacerbate the condition, making it worse. Children usually develop bruxism as a result of a cold or infection. Often pain from teething or earaches will induce bruxism in toddlers and children.

Why do I grind my teeth?

The cause of bruxism is still unknown.  However, it is believed that increased stress and anxiety can greatly increase how often and how severely you grind your teeth.  Having an abnormal bite or missing or crooked teeth are also thought to contribute to teeth grinding.

Why is bruxism bad?

Occasional bruxism usually does not result in damage to the teeth or jaw. However, chronic teeth grinding can cause serious dental issues.  In some cases, grinding can result in tooth fracture, loosening of teeth, or the loss of a tooth or teeth.  Grinding over years without treatment can wear the teeth down to stumps, which will require bridges, crowns, root canals, implants, or possibly even dentures to repair.
Not only is bruxism bad for your teeth, it is also damaging to the jaw. Grinding can result in hearing loss, change the appearance of your face, and TMJ.

Treating Teeth Grinding with a Nightguard

A dental night guard is a device that is normally considered to be the first-line treatment for teeth grinding (bruxism). Often known as an occlusal splint, the dental night guard might cover just one row of teeth or both rows, depending on one’s requirements.

Teeth are covered in a layer of dentin, which protects the nerve endings and blood vessels underneath. Dentin is in turn covered by a harder substance called enamel. The effects of stress, a sleep disorder, or one’s irregular bite can sometimes cause the muscles in the jaw tense and tighten during sleep. This clenches the teeth together, sometimes resulting in a grinding motion that grates the upper and lower rows against each other. Persistent, untreated bruxism can result in deterioration of the enamel all the way through the dentin, compromising the integrity of your teeth and often resulting in discomfort and pain.

A dental night guard will reduce your teeth grinding problem by relaxing your jaw muscles and allowing them to align properly. It will not only protect your teeth again surface damage gum problems and loose teeth, it will also help strengthen your teeth.

Schedule An Appointment

If you are experiencing dental problems related to Bruxism/Teeth Grinding, be sure to contact our Lady’s Island, SC dental office. Dr. Covington can work with you to develop a solution to help alleviate your symptoms and restore function to your smile. To schedule an appointment, call (843) 986-0177 or request an appointment online.