Bruxism

More and more, dentists are facing stress-related dental problems. Stress is the biggest cause for grinding or bruxism. Grinding on a continuous basis may lead to severe complications. When we grind, the bone surrounding our teeth becomes less and less, eventually making the teeth mobile. Grinding also causes bone loss in a vertical dimension, leading not only to tooth loss, but also loss of facial symmetry. Grinding also has a detrimental effect on the outer layer of the tooth, called the enamel. It may lead to cracks or fractures in the teeth, that may in return lead to sensitivity or nerve involvement, where the nerve becomes irritated.

Grinding is not something that can be left untreated as it will become worse. The masseter muscle is responsible for mastication, but when it becomes excessively large, it may play a role in grinding. This condition is termed muscle hypertrophy. In such cases, Botox® may be administered into the deep belly of the Masseter muscle. This will prevent the muscles from being able to grind, even at night time when we are not aware that we are grinding. Another benefit is the fact that the TMJ (Temperomandibular Joint) becomes relaxed.

Relaxation of the joint will have a relaxed effect on the face and rest of the body, ensuring better quality of life. The effect of Botox® can also be seen aesthetically where the face becomes more oval as the muscles become smaller so that the square face becomes less pronounced.

In some cases, clenching, grinding and bruxism may play a role in tension headaches or migraines. The neuromuscular involvement may lead to these conditions. Successful treatment in the relaxation of the muscles will ensure a much better quality of life. The effects of grinding can be seen in the enamel where it becomes worn down and the dentine becomes exposed. Bruxism will also “irritate” the gums in a fashion for them to pull away, leading to further exposure of the dentine, also seen as a co-factor in periodontal disease, where grinding is not seen as the cause for periodontal disease, but it increases the speed of bone break-down in periodontal disease. Grinding may lead to a painful jaw. The major cause for bruxism is stress-related.

Regular exercise, a balanced and healthy lifestyle, as well as other ways to deal with stress may reduce bruxism. Other causes leading to bruxism include malocclusion where the teeth do not bite properly as well as sleep disorders or sleep disturbances.

Untreated bruxism may result in the following:
•    Worn down front teeth
•    Fractures in teeth and broken fillings
•    Nerve involvement, leading to sensitivity
•    Gum that pulls away, due to the increased pressure on the gum line.
•    Loose teeth as the bone becomes less and less
•    Painful Jaws, migraines, cluster headaches, tension headaches.

Treatments for bruxism include:
•    The custom-fitted Bite Plate
•    Physiotherapy
•    Hypnosis
•    Botox® in the masseter muscles