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Bruxism (BRUK-siz-um) is the involuntary grinding or clenching of teeth. It is the primary cause of tooth wear, cracks, sensitivity, gum recession, headaches, and TMJ disorders.
Although worn teeth and fractures are often attributed to aging and chewing patterns, this is not entirely accurate. Tooth enamel is the hardest tissue in the body, and our diet mainly consists of soft foods. While chewing, the teeth usually do not come into contact, and a defense mechanism prompts us to open the mouth when biting something hard.
So why do teeth become worn or break? The main reason is usually untreated teeth clenching and grinding, which many people do not know they have.
Bruxism originates from the nervous system and is often triggered by stress. It can also be linked to medication, caffeine, alcohol, drugs, or sleep apnea. In children it is generally normal behavior that does not require intervention. In adults it becomes a pathological issue that demands treatment. As a bruxism dentist in San Ramon and Modesto, we use an occlusal splint to prevent further damage, protect the current condition of the teeth, and address related problems.
Tooth mobility or pain to biting
Gum recession
Cold sensitivity
Worn or fractured dentition
Notches at the gum line
Failure of dental work
Worn dentition can make people appear older, and muscle hyperactivity can lead to a more square-shaped face
Restricted mouth opening
Lockjaw
Clicking and popping of the joints
Headache (particularly pain in the temples or in the back of the head)
Pain of jaw joints, which may manifest in front or referred to the ear
Ringing in the ear
Vertigo
Dizziness
Tenderness, pain or fatigue of face muscles
Neck or shoulder pain
EARLY STAGE
On the left, a fractured tooth edge in a 23 year old patient. On the right, the cause of that fracture as the teeth make contact during bruxism.
On the left, a fractured edge in a 25 year old patient. On the right, the contact between teeth during grinding that produced it.
On the left, a fractured edge in a 26 year old patient. On the right, the same contact pattern during clenching.
ADVANCED STAGE
In the left photo, you can observe short and worn teeth due to bruxism, while in the right photo, you can see the contact between the teeth during bruxism, which highlights the resulting trauma.
In the left photo, you can observe worn dentition with chipped and rough edges due to bruxism, while in the right photo, you can see the contact between the teeth during bruxism, which clearly shows the damage caused by this.
Multiple problems caused by bruxism, including gum recession, abfraction, broken and worn teeth
Multiple problems caused by bruxism, including failing dental work, broken and worn teeth
PREVENTION AND TREATMENT
In dentistry there is a continuing search for the perfect material to replace teeth, one that mimics the natural appearance of a tooth and is hard enough not to break but wears down like natural enamel. There is far less dedication to preventing the degradation of the best material nature provided, our own teeth.
The most effective way to stop teeth grinding damage is an occlusal splint, so why are they not used more often? Usually it comes down to a lack of knowledge. If a splint is not properly made, patients find it uncomfortable or bulky, and it can cause tooth and jaw pain, headaches, or even more clenching. That is why every splint has to be precisely crafted to do its job.
An occlusal splint is a prosthesis designed to replicate the natural defense mechanism that protects the entire masticatory system, including teeth, bone, gums, jaw, and muscles, promoting harmony between teeth, joints, and muscles. Without that function, it is nothing more than a piece of material commonly sold as a night guard.
Although they look similar, occlusal splints and night guards work very differently. A splint prevents damage and maintains current dental conditions, and it plays a significant role in treating temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, migraines, neck pain, tinnitus, and vertigo. A store bought mouthguard does none of this. It can create new problems by redirecting the destructive forces of grinding toward unprotected joints and muscles.
At DDS With a Smile, our dedication is to the highest quality dental work at both our San Ramon and Modesto offices. That is why we offer a 100 percent money back satisfaction guarantee for one year on our occlusal splint.
Worn dentition with chipped and rough edges caused by bruxism
The amount of tooth wear becomes obvious after restoring a single tooth
Teeth after being restored to their natural shape and size
Occlusal splint designed to protect the teeth, joints, and muscles from bruxism
DDS With a Smile ®
