Tooth Grinding/Bruxism 

Clenching/ Grinding/ Bruxism are all terms used when discussing jaw problems and dental occlusion, which basically means the way you bite together. The joint connecting your upper and lower jaw is called the ‘Temporo-mandibular joint’ (TMJ). Moving this joint allows opening, closing, biting and chewing etc.

When and How?

Your dentist may have surprised you by saying that your dental problem(s) could be partly caused by clenching/grinding. We are finding an increasing number of our clients are being affected by this and are not aware of it as the damage is being done at night when you are asleep. This can often happen quietly and so not disturb any possible partner. At night the nerves that hold your teeth in position "switch off" and so what would normally stop during the day does not and you create up to 5 times the normal forces on your teeth or a tooth. Also, during the day you may find that your clench your teeth and this could happen if, for example, you are working on a computer or driving and sitting in of the many traffic jams!

 Problems Caused?

You can often, but not always, wake up with toothache as you have been putting so much pressure on your teeth that it has caused the nerves to be damaged. The damage can be so severe that the nerve can die off or you could even split the tooth. We can see a variety of problems such as toothache, broken teeth/fillings, sensitive teeth, and loose teeth. In fact, any or all dental problems as well as other muscle problems can be caused by clenching/grinding.

A number of other problems are closely associated with bruxing such as earache/dizziness, aching back/shoulder/neck, headaches/migraines. You may have had a car accident and still be experiencing trouble and possibly even be receiving treatment for it.

 Treatment?

 In some cases a simple appliance MAY help. We also have the services of a physiotherapist at the practice that could help in diagnosing and treating a number of cases.

 We are trying to develop a holistic approach to your treatment as there may be several factors contributing to your trouble but there is often no quick fix and so we cannot just  " do a filling or take the tooth out" as this will not solve the problem. We would like to take a more measured approach to treating you which may involve suggesting you do a number of things e.g. wear a night guard, reviewing the stressful situation that you may be experiencing, taking some form of relaxation, having some physiotherapy. We do want to help you sort your problem in as least a traumatic way as possible.

Prevention

Is our prevailing aim for your care and an appliance is crucial to this. It can cost from £97.50 and prove money well spent avoiding more costly dental treatment in the future and drugs that may have been advised to ease any pain or discomfort.

We have a number of appliances that we make and we try to get it right every time but as with all forms of medical care we cannot guarantee success first time every time. We are all different! We will show you examples and before making one all come to an agreement as to which one would be best. Often we find what is most comfortable is worn and tolerated so therefore most successful. Sometimes the appliances wear away quite quickly but this is often a sign that you really needed one and that the appliance rather than your teeth are taking the wear.

We do urge you to ask further questions, as it is YOUR problem we are trying to treat. Also, please check out the web sites that are listed below for more information.

www.e-motion.eu.com                www.bsos.org.uk        www.solutions4snoring.co.uk  www.craniogroup.com        www.occlusion.co.uk                  www.healthyme.co.uk