Bruxism: Facts and Treatment

Most people have the habit of grinding their teeth from time to time. Bruxism is the medical term for teeth grinding.It is usually not harmful, although when done regularly, it can cause damage to teeth andcause other oral health complications. The most common causes of bruxism areanxiety and stress and the grinding often happens during sleep. It can also be caused by an abnormal bite or missing and crooked teeth. The sleeping disorder known as sleep apnea can also be a major cause of bruxism.

Because it mostly occurs at night, most people can suffer from Bruxism and be completely unaware of the condition. A dull headache or a sore jaw when you wake up is a tell-tale sign of the condition. If you encounter these symptoms or suspect that you grind your teeth, speak to your dentist. This is because constant teeth grinding may cause fracturing, loosening of teeth or tooth loss.

In the event that your teeth have been damaged or lost due to bruxism, your dentist may recommend such treatments as root canals, bridges,implants, crownsand dentures. If the dentist is able to catch the condition before it causes any lasting damage, the dentist may fit you with a mouth guard to protect the teeth from grinding as you sleep. Your dentist may also recommend options to reduce stress if the bruxism is caused by anxiety. They may recommend such options as regular exercise or counselling sessions to get to the root of the problem.

Dentists at Dental Savers Spa in Philadelphia, PA will offer you a great solution for bruxism in the form of quality Dental Night guard options.