Dental Devices for the treatment of Bruxism
What is Bruxism?
Bruxism is a sleep related movement disorder characterised by clenching or grinding the jaws and teeth. This condition can increase tooth wear and even fracture teeth. Excessive bruxing can lead to gum damage or the tissues that support the gum, causing looseness and tooth mobility. Jaw discomfort and headaches can be other additional side effects.
What common symptoms can be associated with Bruxism?
Common symptoms and complications tend to include tooth fractures, increased teeth sensitivity, cracked teeth syndrome, periodontal injury, increased teeth mobility, teeth movement, tooth nerve damage and inflammation. Gum recession, bone resorption and non-carious tooth lesions are also associated with excessive tooth grinding.
Why do I not feel pain when grinding my teeth?
When you are asleep, neurological pain response is in “shut down” making it possible to increase the magnitude and duration of tooth grinding movement by 5 to 10 times causing significant damage to teeth as well as possible jaw joint and muscle pain.
Is there a device available to help protect my teeth whilst sleeping?
There are several types of devices available to protect teeth and provide a barrier to the most damaging effects of tooth grinding. Depending on the condition of your teeth and level of Bruxism, appliance wear will require adjustment and monitoring through a customised dental mouthpiece.
Are there specific medications that cause Bruxism?
Prescription drugs that contain serotonin, such as Lexapro, Prozac and Seroxit, do come with the associated risk of Bruxism. There are some psychiatric and neurological conditions that require similar medication that have also been associated with the condition.
