Bruxism is a term used to refer to teeth grinding or clenching. You may do it subconsciously as a reaction to stress, although it often occurs during sleep. It is common among many children, and in many cases, it will go away on its own. However, if it does not, it can do serious damage to your smile over time. Bruxism can be difficult to diagnose since tooth damage is just one potential symptom. Other symptoms can include:
You have several options when it comes to treating your bruxism. If you are clenching or grinding your teeth due to stress, you may try stress-relieving or relaxation techniques. If the problem occurs while you sleep, our dentists can create a custom oral appliance, such as an NTI-tss appliance, to protect your smile at night. The NTI-tss appliance is a simple solution for bruxism, and works by covering the teeth to reduce clenching forces and protect your teeth. In addition to alleviating the effects of bruxism, this device will also help prevent the migraine and tension headaches that often occur as a result of bruxism or TMJ disorders.
Another option for managing bruxism is a BOTOX® injection. BOTOX works by relaxing the muscles in your face and jaw that are responsible for clenching and grinding teeth. This reduces the nerve signals to those muscles, preventing involuntary movements and alleviating soreness and discomfort. BOTOX can also help with side-effects of bruxism, such as headaches, facial pain and jaw discomfort, and may also be useful in breaking clenching “habits” to prevent future bruxism.
During your consultation, our dentists will also talk with you about your treatment options to repair any damage that bruxism may have done to your smile.
If you suspect that bruxism may be a problem for you or someone in your family, call our office to schedule your appointment.