Tooth Grinding – Problems and Solutions

Bruxism treatments at our Sutton Coldfield practice

Bruxism, or tooth grinding, as most people know it, is a fairly common occurrence that affects approximately 1 in 10 of us in the UK. It is usually done subconsciously and often whilst the person is asleep. It involves the grinding of the teeth along with the clenching of the jaw.

Although no definitive reason has been given for this problem, it is generally considered that stress is a major factor and, interestingly, it seems to be that it is most common between the mid twenties and mid forties, perhaps when life throws us most challenges with careers, relationships and families.

Bruxism can, however, affect anyone of any age, including children and can have some very unpleasant side effects. However, our dentists at Arthur House Dental Care can help……..

Short Term Effects

As stress is involved, it perhaps should not come as a surprise to find that one of the short term implications of tooth grinding is tension, and especially tension of the facial muscles. This also very often extends to the shoulders too.

It is perhaps this very same tension which causes the sufferer to have disturbed sleep patterns, often leaving them feeling tired during the day. This can have a negative effect on their daily life, from their inability to do their work properly through to potential dangers when driving for example.

From an oral health perspective, sore gums are likely as is the increase in risk of uneven teeth due to the constant pressure that is being put on them. This can of course be corrected through orthodontic treatments such as Invisalign braces but until the bruxism is cured, this would not be recommended.

Long Term Effects

As well as any long term effects from the stress and tension related to bruxism, the grinding of teeth over a period of time is likely to lead to significant damage to the teeth. The most obvious of these is the general wearing down of the teeth and, the longer it goes on, likely breakage. This would inevitably result in work needing to be done on the teeth with crowns and possibly, for serious cases, replacement with dental implants to resolve the problem.

Another relatively common problem of long term bruxism is Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ); this affects the joints of the jawbone and can be very painful indeed.

Solutions to Bruxism

At Arthur House Dental Care in Sutton Coldfield, near Birmingham, we see a number of tooth grinders who are potentially heading towards having these problems and we are able to help them by providing a dental splint. The splint is worn during sleep and prevents the teeth from meeting and grinding together. This will prevent the problems that are caused by the friction between the teeth and the subsequent damage that would be caused. We are also able to diagnose and offer treatment options for underlying conditions like TMJ. Please call our team on 0121 323 4492 for helpful advice and to arrange an appointment.