Do you find yourself clenching your teeth at night? Do you hear them grinding together? If so, you may be suffering from bruxism, a condition that occurs when people grind their teeth. Teeth grinding can cause a lot of damage to your teeth and can also lead to other health problems. In this blog post, we will discuss bruxism treatment and prevention tips. 

What is Bruxism?

Bruxism is a condition that occurs when people grind their teeth. Do you clench your jaws when you get stressed or angry? Many people do, but some people clench, thrust their jaw forward, or grind their teeth repeatedly without realizing they are doing it—sometimes even in their sleep. When these behaviors become habits, the American Dental Association explains that it is called bruxism.

Causes of Bruxism

There are many different theories about what causes bruxism, but the exact cause is still unknown. Some possible causes include:

• Stress: This is one of the most common theories. When people are under a lot of stress, they may clench their teeth or grind them without realizing it.
• Anxiety: People with anxiety disorders may grind their teeth or clench their jaws as a way to cope with their anxiety.
• Abnormal bite: If your teeth do not fit together correctly, you may grind your teeth to try to relieve the pressure.
• Missing teeth: If you have missing teeth, you may grind your teeth to make up for the empty space.
• Smoking: Cigarette smoking has been linked to bruxism.
• Alcohol use: Drinking alcohol can relax the muscles in your mouth and make you more likely to grind your teeth.
• Caffeine: Caffeine can also make your jaw muscles more relaxed, which may lead to teeth grinding.

Treatment for Bruxism

If you have bruxism, there are many different treatment options available. The best treatment for you will depend on the severity of your bruxism and the underlying cause. Some common treatment options include:

Stress management:

If stress is the underlying cause of your bruxism, stress management techniques may help. These techniques can include exercise, yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises.

Mouthguards:

Mouthguards are often used to treat bruxism. They can help protect your teeth from damage caused by grinding. While you can find mouthguards at your local drugstore, it is best to get one custom-made by your dentist. This will ensure a good fit and maximum protection.

Bite correction:

If your bruxism is caused by an abnormal bite, your dentist may recommend bite correction treatment. This treatment can involve braces, dental appliances, or surgery.

Medication:

Your dentist may also prescribe medication to help treat your condition. Medications could include:

• Muscle relaxants. In some cases, your doctor may suggest taking a muscle relaxant before bedtime, for a short period of time.
• Botox injections. Injections of Botox, a form of botulinum toxin, may help some people with severe cases who don’t respond to other treatments.
• Medication for anxiety or stress. Your doctor may recommend short-term use of antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications to help you deal with stress or other emotional issues that may be causing your bruxism.

Correcting the Damage

If you have bruxism and the grinding is causing damage to your teeth, your dentist may recommend dental work. This may include:

• Filing down your teeth: This can help to smooth out any rough edges caused by grinding.
• Bonding: Bonding is a process in which your dentist covers any chips or cracks in your teeth with a tooth-colored resin.
• Crowns: Crowns are used to cover and protect damaged teeth.Veneers: Veneers are thin, tooth-colored shells that are bonded to the front of your teeth.

Prevention of Bruxism

There are many things you can do to prevent bruxism or reduce the amount of grinding. These include:

• Avoiding trigger foods and drinks: If you find that certain foods or drinks trigger your bruxism, try to avoid them. Common trigger foods and drinks include caffeine, alcohol, and sugar.
• Stress management: As mentioned above, stress management techniques can help to prevent bruxism.
• Wearing a mouthguard: Wearing a mouthguard at night can help to protect your teeth from damage caused by grinding.
• Identifying your triggers: If you can identify what triggers your bruxism, you can avoid these triggers and reduce the amount of grinding.

Make an Appointment with Premier Dentistry of Eagle

If you think you may have bruxism, or if you are experiencing any other dental problems, make an appointment with Premier Dentistry of Eagle. We will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is right for you. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.