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If you are dealing with teeth grinding, damaging a tooth, or several teeth, and losing sleep as a result, it’s important to seek medical advice from a dentist promptly. If left untreated, you can create worse problems for your oral health and overall health. At Wilshire Dental in Santa Monica, Dr. Melanie offers comprehensive bruxism treatment options to help prevent further damage and help you restore your sleep. Ready to stop grinding your teeth and regain better sleep from Wilshire Dental?
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Bruxism refers to an oral parafunctional activity that most people experience at some point in their lives. The two main characteristics of bruxism are grinding of the teeth and clenching of the jaw, which can occur during the day or at night.
Bruxism is one of the most common known sleep disorders and causes most of its damage during sleeping hours. People who suffer from bruxism clench and grind their teeth because they have a malfunctioning chewing reflex, which is turned off in non-sufferers when sleeping. For sufferers of bruxism, deep sleep or even naps cause the reflex nerve control center in the brain to turn off and the reflex pathways to become active.
Typically, the incisors and canines (front six upper and lower teeth) of opposing arches grind against each other laterally. This side-to-side action puts undue strain on the medial pterygoid muscles and the temporomandibular joints.
Bruxism is frequently misdiagnosed or not diagnosed at all because it is only one of several potential causes of tooth wear. Only a trained professional can tell the difference between bruxing wear and wear caused by overly aggressive brushing, acidic soft drinks, and abrasive foods.
book an appointmentThe most common symptoms of bruxism are:
Bruxism is one of the leading causes of gum recession and tooth loss. It damages the soft tissue directly and leads to loose teeth and deep pockets, where bacteria can colonize and destroy the supporting bone.
The abnormal wear patterns on the occlusal (chewing) surfaces can lead to fractures in the teeth, which may require restorative treatment.
In severe and chronic cases, bruxing can eventually lead to painful arthritis in the temporomandibular (TMJ) joints (the joints that allow the jaw to open smoothly).
The grinding associated with bruxism can eventually shorten and blunt the teeth, leading to debilitating headaches and muscle pain in the myofascial region.
There is no single cure for bruxism. However, there are a variety of helpful devices and tools available at Wilshire Dental. Here are some common ways in which bruxism is treated:
An acrylic mouthguard can be designed from tooth impressions to minimize the abrasive action of tooth surfaces during normal sleep. Mouthguards should be worn on a long-term basis to help to stabilize the occlusion as well as prevent damage to teeth and to the temporomandibular joint.
This device is fitted by a health professional and only covers the front teeth. Its goal is to prevent the grinding of the rear molars by limiting the contraction of the temporalis muscle.
Botox can be injected into the muscles to relax and weaken them. Botox is an excellent treatment for bruxism because it weakens the muscles enough to prevent grinding but not enough to interfere with everyday functions like chewing and speaking.
This is an economical device used to diagnose bruxism at home. The device itself is a small electromyography that senses and monitors any activity in the jaw muscles during sleep.
Depending on the patient, restorative dentistry may offer solutions to help individuals suffering from bruxism. Composite fillings can repair teeth damaged by bruxism, restoring their strength and appearance. Advanced dental crowns, including dental implant crowns, can protect and strengthen teeth that have been significantly worn down or damaged. Inlays and onlays are another option to repair teeth affected by this condition, providing a durable and natural-looking restoration. These restorative treatments not only address the effects but also help prevent further damage, preserving the health and function of the teeth.
At Wilshire Dental, conveniently located on Wilshire Blvd., you can get the exact care you need from dental experts who understand the causes, symptoms, and treatment of bruxism. Dr. Melanie provides bruxism treatment options for those suffering from teeth grinding and lost sleep. Call today to schedule your consultation at Wilshire Dental.
We are a street-level location on the corner of Wilshire and Franklin, right across the street from Big 5 and Bristol Farms.
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