Bruxism Treatment Armadale
Do you often experience jaw pain, headaches and tooth sensitivity? Maybe you notice that your teeth have become worn down or damaged. If this sounds familiar, you likely are experiencing bruxism, the habitual grinding or clenching of teeth, which can harm your oral health and overall wellbeing.
What Are Some Causes?
Teeth grinding can have several underlying causes. These include stress, anxiety, misaligned teeth or jaw, sleep disorders like sleep apnoea, lifestyle factors like alcohol and caffeine consumption, certain medications and medical conditions like Parkinson’s disease. Other causes include dental issues like missing or crooked teeth, genetics and psychiatric disorders like OCD and PTSD.
The Short-Term Effects
In the short term, teeth grinding can lead to tooth wear and sensitivity, jaw pain and muscle fatigue, headaches and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction. The excessive grinding wears down the tooth enamel, exposing the inner dentin layer and causing sensitivity. It also strains the jaw muscles, leading to pain and fatigue. Headaches can arise from muscle tension, and TMJ issues manifest as jaw clicking, popping and limited movement.
The Long-Term Impact
Long-term effects of persistent bruxism can be serious, including increased tooth sensitivity and gum recession as the enamel and gums continue to erode. Severe tooth damage and loss may occur over time. Chronic pain in the jaw and face, and from headaches, can develop, impacting quality of life. TMJ disorders may worsen, leading to persistent jaw dysfunction. Ultimately, extensive and costly dental treatments like crowns, bridges or full reconstruction may be required to address the cumulative effects on the teeth and jaws.
Here are some treatments to consider:
Dental Guards and Splints
One of the most common and non-invasive treatments for bruxism is the use of dental guards or splints. These custom-made oral appliances fit over your teeth and create a physical barrier that prevents grinding and clenching during sleep. Dental guards protect your teeth from wear and tear and help alleviate jaw pain and muscle tension associated with bruxism.
Jaw Exercises and Massage
Engaging in jaw exercises and massaging the facial muscles can help alleviate tension and promote relaxation. Your dentist or a physical therapist can guide you through specific exercises and massage techniques to reduce the frequency and intensity of bruxism episodes.
Stress Management and Relaxation Techniques
Since stress and anxiety are common triggers for bruxism, incorporating stress management strategies and relaxation techniques into your daily routine can be highly beneficial. Practices such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, yoga or progressive muscle relaxation can help calm the mind and reduce muscle tension in the jaw.
Lifestyle Modifications
Certain lifestyle factors, such as caffeine intake, alcohol consumption and smoking, can worsen bruxism. Making conscious efforts to limit or avoid these substances, especially close to bedtime, may help reduce the occurrence of teeth grinding and clenching.
Professional Treatment Options
In severe cases or when other treatments are ineffective, your dentist may recommend additional professional treatments, such as:
- Neuromodulator injections: These temporary injections can help relax the facial muscles and reduce grinding.
- Bite adjustments: Reshaping or adjusting the bite surfaces of the teeth can help achieve a more balanced occlusion and reduce grinding.
- Orthodontic treatment: Correcting misaligned teeth or jaw problems through orthodontic treatment may help alleviate bruxism in some cases.
Schedule a Consultation
Don’t let bruxism continue to impact your oral health and quality of life. Contact Champion Family Dental today to schedule a consultation with one of our dentists. They can help you explore the best treatment options to help you find relief from the discomfort and potential damage caused by teeth grinding.
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*Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Your dentist is a qualified practitioner who will discuss risks and benefits with you, to help you make an informed decision about your dental treatment.
