As the financial year draws to a close many of us are caught up in extra tasks to prepare for the 30th June deadline. It’s not uncommon for the stress that accompanies any target to contribute to clenching and grinding of our teeth. Understanding the effects, treatment options and prevention is covered in our blog this month.
The dental term used to describe the above is Bruxism and like most dental concerns is best treated early before any irreversible affect occurs on our teeth or jaw.
We recognise that most excessive clenching and grinding may occur during our sleep and although it can be triggered by a few factors it can be associated with more stressful or anxious times (e.g. EOFY). During sleep our brain is often busy working on our impending ‘check list’. The result of this heavy pressure onto the tooth structure is a major cause of fractures, especially on the hard-working posterior teeth.
During your routine dental examination appointment we look for the following signs of bruxism:
- Worn teeth presentation with a reduced height of the natural tooth structure, or a chipped appearance
- Soft tissue visible change include: a horizontal line on the inside cheek where the teeth rest against that site and the outer tongue surface showing a scalloped pattern indicating clenching
- Microfractures or stress lines visible in the enamel
- Increased recession (shrinking back) of the gumline due to pressure onto the tooth
- Loose teeth (often the last molar in the lower teeth) as result of intense pressure over time
- If you report pain on biting hard foods, including small seeds, it is often as a result of a more major fracture in the tooth, which sadly sometimes extends into the root and therefore is not always restorable and can lead to the tooth needing to be removed
- If you have been experiencing pain in the jaw muscles, jaw joint (also known as the TMJ short for temporal mandibular joint), headaches, neck pain and even ear ache may be reported as a result of clenching
Some of the treatment options include:
- Repair of any broken teeth, including sometimes placing a strong crown over the tooth and then prevention of repeat dental trauma from ongoing bruxism
- When important back teeth are missing, replacement options can reduce pressure onto the remaining teeth and achieve a more balanced bite. This may be achieved with a partial denture or implant placement
- Having an occlusal splint (or night guard) made by us, that fits comfortably over your teeth to wear during sleep
- Botox injections into the jaw muscle to release the force and tension and over-ride the pressure that the muscle can otherwise apply
- If poor teeth alignment is contributing to grinding or broken teeth, orthodontics not only straighten teeth but also improves the way the jaws function together
- 3D Radiograph or cone beam / CT scan of the jaw joint for assessment
Prevention of future Bruxism may involve:
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- Referral to a Physiotherapist who specialises in jaw treatments and prevention exercises
- Requesting a sleep study to rule out Sleep Apnoea as a cause of night-time bruxism
- Ongoing wear of a night guard (splint) or snoring device
- Strategies for stress management or relaxation methods
- Speaking with your GP if pain becomes unmanageable to discuss options with them
Please do not hesitate to book a time to discuss any of the above concerns and options in more detail. Prevention is far better than leaving unmanaged, which can lead to more complex treatment needs.
