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    TEETH GRINDING
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ALL ABOUT TEETH GRINDING (BRUXISM)

You may have probably observed that some persons clench and grind their teethnow and then. Medically, teeth grinding is called bruxism, and it's usually not harmful. But if it doeshappenregularly, it could damage your teeth, andalso other oral health complications can develop as well.

What Are The Reasons For Teeth Grinding?

Stress and anxiety some of the primary cause of bruxism, butoften, people grind their teeth during sleep,and this could be as a result of missing teeth or an abnormal bite. In other cases, it can be as a resultof sleep apnea (a sleep disorder).

How Will I Know If I Grind My Teeth?

Teeth grinding mainly occurs when you areasleep. Therefore, a lot of persons may not know if they grind their teeth. However, a tell-tale sign of bruxism is a sore jaw or a dull, persistent headache. It is also common for people to find out they grind their teeth from close friends and family who notice the habit at night.

If you suspect you grind your teeth, then visit your dentist to carry out an examination on your mouth and jaw for symptoms of teeth grinding like excessive wear on your teeth, and jaw tenderness.

Want an experienced and skill dentist? Then contact Cosmetic Dentistry Clinic in London, you or London can call us on 02071830755 to book an appointment or make further enquires.

What Are The Dangers Of Teeth Grinding?

Is there a problem with teeth grinding? No, but severe teeth grinding or bruxism in some cases can cause loss of teeth or fracturing. It could get worse and cause your teeth to wear down to stumps — should this happen, there would be a need for root canals, partial dentures, implants, complete dentures, bridges, and crowns.

Tooth loss is not the only harm teeth grinding can cause — your jaws can be affected; it can cause TMD/TMJ and also change your facial appearance.

Visit us in London,to have your teeth examined regularly. Place a call to us on 02071830755 today— we care about your oral health.

Prevention Of Teeth Grinding

By recommending you wear a mouth guard at night during sleep, your dentist can help you prevent grinding.

Should your bruxism be caused by stress, seek the help of your dentist or doctor for advice on possible ways to cut down your stress—some of the options that may also be recommended for you can include:

  • Getting a prescription for muscle relaxants
  • Consulting a physical therapist
  • Going for stress counselling
  • Joining an exercise program

If your teeth grinding is as a result of a sleeping disorder, treatment may lessen or stop if you adhere to the prescription of your doctor.  Also, the tips listed below can help you eliminate teeth grinding: 

  • Quit drinking alcohol; grinding accelerates after taking alcohol
  • Let your jaw muscles relax at night by using a warm washcloth over your cheek
  • Make an effort consciously to stop grinding your teeth.But if you find outthat you clench or grind your teeth during the day, place the tip of your tongue between your teeth— it will allow your jaw muscles to relax
  • Avoid chewing on pens, pencils, or anything else that is not food
  • Do not chew gum since it increases the rate at which your jaw muscles clench and could result in bruxism
  • Quit taking or reduce your intake of caffeinated foods and drinks some of which include coffee, chocolate, and cola

Teeth Grinding In Children

Not only do adults grind their teeth,but children also do!

About 15% - 33% of children experience bruxism. It happens mostly when their baby teeth appear and also when their permanent teeth emerge, after which the child may stop the habit.

It is more common for children to grind their teeth while sleeping than when they are awake. The reason for bruxism in children is not known yet, but some suggestions could be non-uniform contact between the upper and lower teeth, misaligned teeth, sicknesses, anxiety, stress, and other medical conditions like endocrine disorders, pinworm, allergies, and nutritional deficiencies.

It is rare for problems to arise in the grinding of the baby teeth. Although, teeth grinding can result in headaches, TMD, wearing of the teeth and jaw pain.

You should take your child to the dentist if the child’s teeth look worn out or if they complain about pain or tooth sensitivity. You can also visit Cosmetic Dentistry Clinic London or call us on 02071830755 to book an appointment or make further inquiry.

Oftenyour children may feel anxious about visiting a dentist;especiallyit's their first time to do so.  However, we do understand this fact at Cosmetic Dentistry Clinic. Reassuringly, our dentist is very friendly,and we will try to make your child as comfortable as possible.

Here are some tips that can help your child fight bruxism. They include:

  • Seek your dentist's help in monitoring your child's teeth if you find out that they grind their teeth
  • Add plenty of water to your child's diet. Dehydration may be connected to teeth grinding
  • Ease your child's stress just before they go to bed— try reading them their favourite stories or telling them something sweet before they sleep
  • Consider stretching and massage exercises to relax the muscle

There is usually no need for seeking a remedy in cases of teeth grinding for children in their preschool-age,but, older children may use temporary crowns, night guards, or other methods to prevent bruxism.

Need More advice?

If you need an experienced and skilled dentist you can consult for problems with teeth grinding; you visit Cosmetic Dentistry Clinic in London or you can call us on 02071830755.

We have years of experience and skill from handling several cases of bruxism in adults and children. Don't hesitate to contact us if you begin to notice any sign of teeth grinding with you or your child.  Give us a call today!