Bruxism happens most commonly at night and when you are sleeping. It is also referred to as sleep bruxism, or nocturnal teeth grinding. Bruxism is a condition that should not be taken lightly. In severe cases, it can lead to damaged or worn-down teeth, which can lead to sensitivity or even tooth loss.
It is crucial to understand that bruxism, or teeth grinding, does not have a cure. The goal of treatment is to decrease the frequency, occurrence and severity of symptoms and the damage caused by it. There is no one-size-fits-all treatment, at Ashton Avenue Dental, we recommend a combination of treatments to manage the issue. These may include:
TMJ disorders refer to a group of conditions that affect the jaw joint and the associated muscles. Symptoms often include jaw, face or ear pain, along with difficulty eating and popping/clicking sounds when opening the jaw. Similar to teeth grinding, the cause is not always clear but often triggered by factors such as stress, injury, or arthritis. The emotional toll of bruxism can be devastating, as sufferers may feel embarrassed or self-conscious about their grinding habits. Patients may also feel frustrated and helpless as they try to find a way to stop the grinding and alleviate their pain. Some common teeth grinding symptoms include:
