Some people clench or grind their teeth from time to time. Triggers for teeth grinding vary from one person to another: bursts of anger, anxiety or disturbed sleep. When you clench or grind your teeth as a response to these triggers, it is normal. When you grind your teeth on regular basis, however, this may already be bruxism.

Unfortunately, most people do not take teeth grinding seriously and consider it a condition one can easily brush off. Here at Weybridge Orthodontics, we consider teeth grinding as a serious condition that requires attention—and so should you.

Understanding bruxism

Orthodontists in Weybridge describe bruxism as a medical condition describing the unnatural clenching or grinding of teeth. If you are suffering from this condition, you unconsciously grind your teeth together every morning or clench them while you sleep (sleep bruxism).

While teeth grinding occurs due to anger or anxiety, most bruxism cases occur during the night while you are asleep. These cases stem from abnormal bites and crooked or missing teeth. Sleep apnoea also plays its part in encouraging bruxism.

How serious is teeth grinding?

A number of bruxism cases occur earlier in life while the teeth undergo the development process. Fifteen percent of children reportedly clenched or grinded their teeth during their sleep. Some conditions wane as an individual enters adulthood, while others continue to experience teeth grinding.

Normal teeth grinding wears enamel at the rate of 0.3 millimetres every 10 years. In the case of bruxism patients, they experience 2 millimetres of enamel erosion during their early to mid-twenties. Sleep bruxism occurs for as long as 40 minutes which equates to 250 pounds of force. Such pressure is enough to crack a walnut.

Chronic teeth grinding results in severe cases of teeth loss, fracturing and wear. It also causes jaw problems, worsens Temporomandibular Joint Disorders and changes your facial appearance.

Bruxism – no laughing matter

Bruxism can remain undetected for years until complications develop. Some patients refuse treatment and consider teeth grinding as a habit rather than a condition. It is important to know the symptoms of bruxism and seek regular dental care from your Weybridge orthodontist.

Treat bruxism as early as now and enjoy a life free from grinding and clenching. Weybridge Orthodontics offers cost-effective bruxism remedies to all patients. Get in touch with us now for more information.

Bruxism is a misunderstood dental condition. It is characterised by unnecessary clenching and grinding of teeth, which can cause some dental repercussions. Things become more problematic if your teeth are fragile and sensitive.

Here at Weybridge Orthodontics, we aim to educate you about the things that will improve your dental health. This post focuses on the causes and effects of bruxism. We have listed down some tips that will help you prevent it and reduce its effects.

More on Bruxism

Dentists agree that the main cause of bruxism is not exactly clear, but the most common trigger is stress. Some believe it is caused by an incorrectly aligned bite. Other possible causes include your posture, the way you respond to external strains, and your sleeping routines. In most cases, people clench and grind their teeth while they are asleep.

Its Negative Effects

Bruxism can easily wear down your teeth. The application of constant force can cause the teeth to flatten or chip. The teeth may even become loose in extreme cases. Grinding affects the enamel make-up of your teeth. Once the enamel erodes, the layers of the tooth underneath it will become exposed to external elements, such as fluctuating temperature and bacteria. This may lead to tooth sensitivity and decay.

Some Solutions

Many blame stress for bruxism, meaning you can develop your coping mechanisms. Modify the way you respond to emotional tension and anxiety. Get braces to push your teeth into their right positions. These devices will correct your bite, reducing the likelihood of teeth grinding. To prevent damage to teeth, wear a mouth guard when sleeping.

These are only some of the things you need to know about bruxism. Treat bruxism first before getting dentures or implants. Clenching and grinding can also wear down artificial teeth. Contact us today if you want to discuss your plan to get orthodontic devices or have your mouth guard fitted.