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Introduction
Grinding or Clenching
Grinding or clenching of teeth is medically known as bruxism. Grinding or clenching could be conscious or unconscious. Most people grind or clench occasionally, that could cause no harm, but when teeth grinding occurs on a regular basis that can lead to damage to oral tissues causing other oral health complications.
Why do people clench or grind their teeth: the reasons for teeth grinding are not always clear and can vary from patient to patient. At Channel Islands Family Dental, our experts work tirelessly to diagnose the physical, psychological or genetic factors that can cause bruxism.
Bruxism is broadly classified into two types
Awake Bruxism: grinding or clenching of teeth caused during the day while being awake. It is usually related to emotional issues, such as feeling anxious, stressed or angry.
Sleep Bruxism: On the other hand, when someone grinds or clenches their teeth while being asleep. Our specialist at Channel Islands Family Dental Office, explains to our patients since they asleep they are unaware of the condition, and can lead to jaw pains and other problems related to oral health. In some kids, grinding happens due to the improper alignment of upper and lower jaws. In some cases, it can happen as a response to teething or pain in the ear. In adults or young children, stress and anxiety are generally the cause of teeth grinding or jaw clenching.
Lifestyle habits such as smoking, drinking alcohol, recreational drugs or consuming a lot of caffeine can also cause night grinding or clenching.
Sleep disorders such as sleep apnea can also be one of the reasons for bruxism.
How to diagnose: Teeth grinding or jaw clenching usually happens during the sleep and is most likely noticed by parents or siblings. However, having a constant dull headache or sore jaw after waking up could be symptoms of bruxism. If you think you or someone in your family may be grinding their teeth in sleep, talk to your dentist. A dental specialist can examine you physically examine your mouth for any signs of bruxism such as tenderness in the jaw and wear and tear to rule out other causes like ear infections.
Symptoms of clenching and grinding
Teeth grinding or clenching usually happens during sleep which makes it difficult for a patient to identify their symptoms. However, signs that you may look for includes:
- Disrupted sleep
- Headaches or facial pain after waking up
- Pain in the ear
- Wear or enamel loss
- Painful or loose teeth
- Soreness in jaw muscles
- Tooth fracture by excessive pressure
- TMJ sounds like clicking or popping
- Pain while chewing
- Lock jaw
Treatment and methods to prevent
The treatment for grinding and clenching of teeth generally includes use of night guards, a retainer like instrument worn overnight, to prevent damage to the teeth and other oral tissues. it won’t stop grinding or clenching but will help in reducing the symptoms.
Our dentists at Channel Islands Family Dental take different approaches to treat bruxism based on specific symptoms and stressors that include:
Medications: muscle relaxants can help relax the jaw muscles and prevent grinding.
Lifestyle modifications: stress management and relaxation training can be identified as a useful aid to help the patients reduce the symptoms and complications of bruxism.
Other preventive methods include:
- Avoid foods or drinks containing caffeine, cola or chocolate
- Avoid alcohol
- Do not chew on pens or anything that is not food
- Be aware about chewing or grinding during the day. Try to stop yourself by keeping your lips together, with teeth apart and tongue behind the front teeth.
We Accept All Insurances
Channel Islands Family Dental Accepts Medi-cal, Denti-cal, Tricare, And All PPO Insurance
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PAYMENT PLANS AS LOW AS 99/MONTH (*ON APPROVED CREDIT)
1620 Newbury Rd Suite 5, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320, Estados Unidos
Opened: Monday to Friday: 9AM-6PM