Bruxism – Kimberly Rosen DDS

Bruxism is a involuntary habitual grinding of teeth. Bruxism is identified in people who unconsciously grind or clench their teeth .While some people grind their teeth during the day, it primarily occurs at night. One of the factors that triggers it is stress and anxiety.
Some of the symptoms of bruxism include: tooth grinding complaints from a sleep partner, teeth are worn and chipped, signs of enamel wear, tooth sensitivity, pain in the jaw, tensed muscles, pain in the TMJ, headaches, gum sensitivity and snoring.
Bruxism that occurs when you are awake may be caused by anxiety, stress, and even depression. People who chew on pencils, bite their nails or bite their cheek or tongue are also considered awake bruxers. In addition, some medications can cause bruxism.
Sleep bruxism, the most common form, is thought to be caused by issues disrupting the sleep cycle. Regular sleep cycles have micro-arousal periods that allow the body to adjust our temperature, breathing rates, etc. People who show signs of sleep bruxism have more frequent sleep arousal periods. During these periods, contractions of the jaw muscles occur, and bruxism occurs.
Managing bruxism is extremely important. If left untreated, it can lead to severe damage to your teeth and jaw joints as well as cause pain. Bruxism can lead to temporomandibular joint disorders. People who experience the symptoms of bruxism must seek out a solution to help minimize the damage.
To avoid further damage to the teeth and joints, the following methods may help:
A night guard can help protect teeth at night
A bite splint can prevent unwanted movement of the teeth and jaw and help alleviate both pain and damage.
Reducing stress and anxiety can improve the occurrence of grinding. This can be accomplished for many through their faith or deep meditation.
Be aware of jaw clenching and make an effort to keep the jaw relaxed throughout the day.
Quality of sleep is important to manage symptoms. Practice good sleep habits such as avoiding large meals and alcohol before bed. Make sure the sleep environment promotes deep sleep.
If teeth have been damaged due to bruxism, it is important to work with your dentist  to not only manage the grinding but to also repair any damage that has been caused by it.
For any questions or concerns, you may call the office of Kimberly A. Rosen, DDS @ (661)255-2545