Most people have heard of the term "Bruxism" but are uncertain of the exact definition. Bruxism is the clenching or grinding your teeth, often without being aware that you are doing it. In the U.S., bruxism affects an estimated 30-40 million children and adults. There is strong genetic link that if one or both parents brux, then their children will also have a strong tendency to do the same. Some people grind their teeth only during sleep; this condition is called "nocturnal bruxism" or "Sleep related bruxism". Some grind their teeth during the daytime as well, most often involving situations that make them feel tense or anxious. Moderate to severe Bruxism can create major destruction on the dentition and the Tempomandibular joints. Bruxism can also be a side effect of certain psychiatric medications ,including antidepressant medications, such as Prozac, Zoloft, and Paxil. If you have broken or fractured multiple teeth or fillings during the past year or so, you likely have some form of moderate to severe bruxism. If left untreated, the damage will increase and so will the cost to fix your teeth.

Symptoms:

• Dull morning headaches often in the temple areas
• Jaw muscles that are tire, tight, or painful especially in the mornings
• A grinding sound at night, which may disturb a spouse or someone in the same room
• Generalized Hypersensitivity to cold that worsens and improves but returns in a cyclic period
• abfraction lesions at gum line (Once was thought to be caused by tooth brushing to hard)
• Tenderness and pain in the TMJ that can result in dislocation on the disc requiring surgery

Although these are the most common symptoms observed, there are mult-factoral components that determine the degree of severity. It is important that you see your current dentist or give us a call if you are having these types of symptoms. It is very important to note that continued destruction of joint and teeth will cause much greater damage if left unchecked. I usually see patients for multiple fractured teeth that require crowns or even extractions until they finally realize something has to be done in order to stop the damage.

There are several treatment options that are available to treat bruxism. Depending on the cause , treatment will change accordingly.

Dr. Keith L. Davis, D.M.D.
205-678-2525

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