Teeth clenching, or bruxism is a common condition that involves grinding, clenching, or gnashing of the teeth, typically during sleep. Bruxism can lead to various dental and medical problems, including tooth damage, jaw pain, headaches, and sleep disorders.
Bruxism is believed to be related to a combination of factors, including stress, anxiety, and sleep disorders. In addition, certain medications, such as antidepressants, may also contribute to this. The most common symptoms of bruxism include grinding and clenching of teeth, particularly during sleep, tooth damage, jaw pain or stiffness, headaches and earache or pain in the face or neck.
Treating bruxism typically involves a combination of dental and medical interventions, depending on the severity of the condition. At Tracey Bell, we offer a number of treatments to help bruxism. Dental treatments could include:
- Mouthguards or splints – these custom-made appliances fit over the teeth to protect them from grinding and clenching. They may be worn during sleep or throughout the day.
- Dental correction – in severe cases, dental correction may be necessary to repair tooth damage and improve the alignment of the teeth.
Medical treatments for bruxism could include:
- Anti-wrinkle injections – injections into the jaw muscles can help relax them and reduce grinding and clenching. This is a temporary treatment that typically lasts several months.
- Cerezen – a medical device that is custom made to fit in the ear canal and reduce the pressure on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which can alleviate bruxism symptoms.