With all the economic pressure affecting millions of Americans, dentists have noticed a big rise in the number of teeth grinding. In fact, we have seen 20 to 25 percent more patients with teeth grinding symptoms in the last year. This usually occurs during sleep or situations that make you feel tense or anxious. People are not just unaware of this habit but they are also unaware of the consequences.
Bruxism may have a variety of psychological and physical causes and can develop from numerous sources such as: Stress, tension, and anxiety, which are the number one causes. Bruxism can develop if the teeth are sensitive to heat and cold. Allergies and nutrient deficiencies can also cause it. Fluctuations in blood sugar levels may be involved. Bruxism can sometimes occur as a complication of severe brain injury or with abnormal alignment of upper and lower teeth (malocclusion), suppressed anger or frustration, aggressive, hyperactive or competitive personality type.
The Treatment Plan – The most expensive option for rebuilding teeth damaged by grinding is with veneers, but this year, dentists say that many of their bruxism patients are requesting one of the least costly treatments: a night guard. Night guards will help you to stop grinding, improve breathing, ease aching in neck and shoulders, reduce headaches, reduce discomfort during sleep, reduce stress on jaw joints, reduce tension in jaw muscles, protect teeth and dental work from damage caused by clenching and grinding, reduce chipping, fractures, excessive wear and loosening of the teeth, possibly reduce snoring! Another way to treat bruxism is to do cranial work on the patients to adjust the bones of the head to the normal position. These two ways help our patients save money, prevents long uncomfortable treatments, and most important of all keeping great oral health and beauty.
The Consequences of Grinding – In some cases, chronic teeth grinding can result in a fracturing, loosening, or loss of teeth. The chronic grinder may wear their teeth down to stumps. When these events happen, bridges, crowns, implants, partial dentures, and even complete dentures may be needed. Cracks through the enamel will make it even easier for bacteria to enter inside the tooth and the nerve and of course the result is a root canal therapy. Another long-term tooth-grinding can cause Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Syndrome. This usually occurs in the muscles, joints, and discs of the jaw, and may cause pain while chewing. Therefore, if you think your one of those people that is developing this unconscious habit, you must do something about it before it gets worse than it already is.
Geneva Dentistry is located at 25880 Tournament Road, Suite 103 in Valencia. For more information, please call 661-22-7773 and visit www.genevadentistry.com .