Teeth Grinding and clenching, also known as Bruxism, usually occurs while you are asleep, though some people grind and clench during the daytime as well. Stress, anxiety, sleep disorders, depression and chronic pain are the leading causes of teeth grinding and clenching. If you experience headaches, or sore teeth and jaws when you wake up, you may suffer from Bruxism. Left untreated, teeth grinding can lead to chipped, worn, fractured or broken teeth.
The Temporo-mandibular Joint connects the lower jaw to the skull and is the joint that suffers the most as a result of teeth grinding. In severe cases of teeth grinding, sufferers are diagnosed with TMD which presents with the following symptoms:
At Drouin Dental, we specialise in a variety of treatments to protect your teeth from the effects of grinding and clenching. Our team of specialists will examine your mouth, try to diagnose the underlying cause, identify and fix any damaged teeth presenting – before recommending a Night Guard or occlusal splint.
Also known as occlusal splints, bite splints, or sleeping guards – Night Guards are custom designed to fit snugly over your teeth to prevent damage to your teeth while you sleep.
Muscle Relaxants are a safe and effective way to treat Bruxism and TMD. By injecting Muscle Relaxants into jaw muscles, nerve receptors are numbed for significant pain relief, while leaving enough strength for usual daily activities such as chewing, biting and speaking.
Many people grind their teeth unknowingly during sleep. Unexplained damage to teeth, pain in the teeth or jaw or waking up with a headache are common signs of teeth grinding.
The main cause for teeth grinding is stress and anxiety, though sleep disorders, an uneven bite or some medical conditions can cause teeth grinding and clenching.
Night Guards are the most common way to treat teeth grinding. More recently, muscle relaxants are injected into the jaw area to relax the muscles responsible for grinding.
The short answer is yes. They protect teeth by providing a cushion between grinding forces and your teeth.