Bruxism is the medical term for grinding one’s teeth. Most often it occurs during sleep. It is a fairly common occurrence in adults and children. Some doctors estimate that as many as one out of every three children will have episodes of bruxism. This can happen on a regular basis at some point throughout their development. Frequently, someone who suffers from bruxism won’t even be aware. Often, a loved one tells him or her about it. Sometimes, someone with bruxism will begin to notice that he or she awakes with a sore jaw. Also, sufferers experience a headache or teeth that seem to be very slightly out of place.

Learning about Bruxism

If you have bruxism, or if you have a child who does, the first thing you should do is educate yourself on its causes and effects. In addition, you’ll want to know what you can do to prevent bruxism. It can cause serious issues if left untreated long enough. If you need more information about bruxism, call Mark Levy, DDS at (614) 777-7350. Dr. Levy will be happy to visit with you about bruxism and will answer any questions you may have. In addition, he can inspect your mouth and identify any signs of bruxism. Finally, Dr. Levy will educate you as to your treatment options for bruxism. He will work with you to find the best solution for your unique situation.

Causes of Bruxism

There is no single cause of bruxism. Rather, the condition can be caused by a number of factors such as:

• Missing teeth that cause the remaining teeth to align improperly;
• Crooked teeth that create an uneven space between other teeth;
• Temporomandibular joint disorder (“TMJ”). TMJ can affect a person’s bite pattern if it is left untreated for long enough.
• Sleep disorders like apnea. These disorders can interfere with a patient’s ability to rest well and can contribute to bruxism.
• Significant amounts of stress.

While it may be challenging to isolate the cause of any given case of bruxism, treatment includes looking at all possible causes and attempting to alleviate them. Keep in mind that bruxism may be caused by a combination of the above, and other, factors, meaning that treatment may need to be broad and far-ranging.

Problems Caused by Bruxism

In addition to the headaches and sore jaw that bruxism may cause, people with the condition are at risk for other issues too. In the most severe cases, someone with this condition may begin to develop tiny cracks in his or her teeth.

In addition, the practice can eventually lead to the loosening of the teeth. As the teeth move back and forth in their sockets as the person grinds them, they can eventually become loose and even fall out altogether. Even if they don’t fall out, they can become worn down to nubs, requiring dental procedures such as installing dental implants, root canals, crowns, or even a full set of dentures. As you can see, this is a very serious issue that must be addressed as soon as possible to prevent additional damage to the teeth.

Treatment for Bruxism

Because there are multiple causes for the condition, treatment focuses on addressing whatever cause may be contributing to your tooth grinding. Most dental professionals recommend that their patients be fitted with a specialized mouth guard right off the bat.

This mouth guard, created in a dental laboratory and fashioned to fit the person’s unique bite pattern, helps protect the teeth from grinding against each other. In addition, by cutting down on the grinding motion, it can help keep the teeth from moving around in their sockets and becoming loose.

Other treatments focus on things such as managing stress. Stress counseling, a regular exercise program, and even meeting with a physical therapist are all steps that can help lower stress levels and reduce the chances of tooth grinding.

You may be advised to change your diet, as well. There are certain foods that tend to increase the chances of tooth grinding, including caffeine, alcohol, and chewing gum. By reducing consumption of these foods, the chances of tooth grinding can be greatly minimized.

Finally, there are some exercises that you can do in order to train your jaw muscles to relax and not clench. By following these exercises—often suggested by a physical therapist or dental professional—you can help minimize the problem.

For More Information Contact Mark Levy, DDS

If you suffer from bruxism, you don’t have to just endure it and hope for the best. Rather, you should contact Mark Levy, DDS, for an appointment. He can help you find the best solution to the issue with a minimal amount of time and effort.

Call Mark Levy, DDS today, by calling (614) 777-7350 to get help with your bruxism.