Do you think you have Teeth Grinding / Teeth Clenching problems?
Bruxism is the word used by dentists and specialists to describe parafunctional teeth wear. Much to everyone’s surprise, night-time and subconscious teeth grinding contributes to most people’s teeth fracture and failure of dental restorations. Unfortunately when we are sleeping or focusing on other issues, we may exert biting forces to our jaws and teeth beyond that of normal function. Such forces are capable of breaking our teeth, crack our fillings, and even cause jaw aches and headaches from excessive activity in the jaw muscles. This is often the reason people wake up in the morning with tight jaws, headaches, as well as sensitive teeth when we brush in the morning. Other times, people may be having breakfast and break their teeth on a small piece of something that should be no harder than their teeth. One most also remember that fractures in teeth are a cumulative damage that is done over many years, and the cracks may not propagate through our teeth until we are in our 30s and 40s. Some cracks are favourable and can be restored with simple dental fillings, other cracks may require root canal therapy and crowns, and even removal of the tooth is it is beyond restoration.
This problem is common but unpredictable, to date, scientists and researchers are still trying to find definitive causes for such unfavourable condition. We may go through stages in our lives grinding and clenching unconsciously than other times. Some parents report this problem in their children as young as 5 or 6 years old. Due to the unpredictable nature of this problem and the significant possible treatments that follow (crowns, root canal therapy, removal of teeth, implants), it would make sense to protect them prior to any significant damage. One of the most common dental treatment for teeth grinding/clenching is occlusal splint, a custom fitted guard that encases your teeth so minimal crack propagation can occur when the jaws are compressed together.
Alternative methods for more severe grinders/clenchers, as well as those who prefers to not to have an occlusal splint is the provision of Botulinum Toxin A (BTx-A) in our jaw muscles. Botulinum toxin A (Botox TM, Dysport TM), is a neurological agent that reduces the action signals between the muscles and their respective nerves. The result of such treatment is less active jaw muscles (still present, but just less intensity when active) and therefore less grinding/clenching force exerted into our teeth and jaws. Like any medical procedures, complications is rare but possible, with most of them relating to the injection technique and placement of medication, such as seen in the cases of ptosis (dropped down eyebrows and eyelids). Allergy cases exist, but are extremely rare and dentists are fully trained in management of such complications. It is important to remember that the administration of BTx-A is a medical procedure and with the risks it carries, such treatment should only be carried out by professionals with appropriate trainings as well as knowledge to manage its complications.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call us on 8090 1108 or e-mail us at info@northsydneydentistry.com.au. We are more than happy to answer any questions that you may have.