Physicians at the Mayo Clinic say about 30 percent of adult Americans suffer from teeth grinding or clenching. More than a nuisance habit, bruxism leads to painful and damaging health problems. Dr. Pamela West, Summerlin dentist, delivers solutions to bruxism so smiles are durable and functional and patients experience great oral health and overall well-being.
Life in the Modern World
Intense emotions, work stress, and the anxieties of life compromise our physical health. Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is a common reaction to the frustrations that plague modern day adults. Also, some physical conditions lead to this unconscious movement of the jaw and teeth, including:
- Teething in infants and toddlers
- Misaligned oral bites
- Sleep apnea, a sleep disorder involving persistent snoring, oxygen deprivation and interrupted rest
- Acid reflux, or GERD
Smoking and excessive alcohol and caffeine consumption increase the chances that a person will grind his or her teeth. Young women seem prone to bruxism, and it is very common among children. However, dentists say that most pediatric teeth grinding stops by adolescence.
Besides noisy grinding and clenching, individuals with bruxism have:
- Sore facial muscles
- Earaches
- Facial pain
- Sore neck, shoulder and back muscles
- Morning headaches
- Chipped and mobile teeth
- Teeth that are severely worn (a full 10 percent of people with bruxism)
- Damaged restorations, such as crowns
- TMJ (temporomandibular joint dysfunction)
- Dental sensitivity to heat and cold
- Irritation of the tongue and other soft oral tissues
- Mental health issues such as depression
Your Dentist in Summerlin Treats Bruxism
Fortunately, the destructive effects of bruxism can be prevented and treated. Many patients benefit from:
- Stress and anger management classes
- Avoiding excessive amounts of caffeine
- Relaxation techniques
- Ice and/or heat applied to the sides of the face
- Anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, and muscle relaxants
- Facial stretching exercises
- Drinking plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated
Dr. Pamela West of Summerlin Center for Aesthetic Dentistry evaluates patients who complain of or show evidence of teeth clenching. Treatment strategies can include orthodontics (braces) to correct bite problems and replacement or correction of worn restorations such as crowns or fillings.
Also, Dr. West provides customized mouthguards which cushion the top and bottom teeth, lessening the intense forces associated with bruxism. Comfortable, biocompatible and individually made from smooth acrylic, these mouthguards are worn at night and prove to be a very effective method of controlling teeth clenching.
Dr. West has taken many hours of continuing education classes which give her insight into how facial muscles, bone structure, teeth and gums all interact and impact oral and overall health. She is expert in neuromuscular dentistry has treated many patients with bruxism using these individualized guards, producing great results.
If You Grind Your Teeth…
Please contact Dr. West’s office team today to arrange a consultation. Get relief from your bruxism, and enjoy a strong, healthy smile.