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Home » Teeth Grinding
Teeth Grinding
Overview
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a common condition that involves clenching or grinding the teeth. It can occur during the day or night and can lead to a range of dental problems, including tooth wear and sensitivity, jaw pain, headaches, and even tooth fractures.
If left untreated, teeth grinding can lead to a range of dental problems such as tooth wear, sensitivity, and fractures. It can also lead to jaw pain and headaches, which can negatively impact quality of life.
Causes
The causes of teeth grinding can vary, but potential factors include:
- Stress and anxiety
- Abnormal bite or tooth alignment
- Sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea
- Medications that can cause teeth grinding as a side effect
- Alcohol or drug use
- Malocclusion or misaligned teeth
- Neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease
Symptoms
The symptoms of teeth grinding can vary from person to person but may include:
- Grinding or clenching of teeth, often heard by a sleeping partner
- Headaches or migraines
- Tooth sensitivity or pain
- Jaw pain or soreness, especially upon waking up
- Fractured or chipped teeth
- Damaged dental restorations, such as fillings or crowns
Diagnosis
To diagnose teeth grinding, a dentist will conduct a thorough dental exam, looking for signs of wear and damage to the teeth and jaw. They may also ask about any symptoms or habits that may indicate teeth grinding, such as headaches or jaw pain.
Treatment
The treatment for teeth grinding will depend on the underlying cause. Common treatment options may include:
- Night guards or splints to protect the teeth and jaw from grinding
- Stress reduction techniques such as relaxation therapy, meditation, or counselling
- Dental procedures to correct misaligned teeth or bite issues
- Medications to treat underlying medical conditions or manage pain
- Lifestyle changes such as reducing alcohol or caffeine intake
Prevention
To prevent teeth grinding, it is important to manage stress and anxiety, maintain good sleep hygiene, avoid alcohol and drug use, and maintain good oral hygiene practices. It is also important to address any underlying dental or medical issues that may be contributing to teeth grinding. Wearing a nightguard or splint can also protect the teeth and jaw from grinding during sleep.
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Teeth grinding
Dr. Katta Balajee Krishnamurthy
BDS, MDS - Orthodontic & Dento- Facial Orthopaedics
25+ Years of Experience
Speciality:
Adult Orthodontics (Lingual Orthodontics), Ceramic Braces, Invisalign (Invisible Aligners), Micro-Screw Implants, Self-Ligating Braces & Digital Dentistry
Dr. Parzhan Zubin Nalladaru
Associate Surgeon - Orthodontics & Dento-Facial Orthopaedics
BDS, MDS - Orthodontics & Dento-Facial Orthopaedics
5+ Years of Experience
Speciality:
Children & Adult Orthodontics, Cleft Cases, Ortho-Surgical Treatments, Invisalign Braces (Invisible Aligners)
Dr. Tarika Gopal
Associate Surgeon - Orthodontics & Dento-Facial Orthopaedics, Sleep apnea specialist
BDS, MDS - Orthodontics & Dento-Facial Orthopaedics
4+ Years of Experience
Speciality :
Adult and Children Orthodontics, Myofunctional therapy, Self-ligation system, Orthognathic surgeries and cleft cases