Teeth grinding – Teeth Clenching
The official name for teeth grinding is bruxism. This is a so called parafunctional activity – the one which is unrelated to the normal function of a certain part of the body (in this case – the teeth). The sleep bruxism occurs mostly at night – while we are asleep. However, we can clench our teeth during the day as well – a daytime bruxism, and we mostly do it unconsciously.
Bruxism occurs in approximately 8 to 31% of the population.
Symptoms & Signs of Bruxism
The main symptoms and signs characteristic of teeth grinding, indicating the presence of bruxism include:
1. Flattened chewing surface of teeth
2. Frequent falling out of tooth fillings
3. Teeth hypersensitivity
4. Clenching sounds at night
5. Masticatory muscle hypertrophy
6. Pain in masticatory muscles after awakening
7. Jaw pain or sensitivity
8. Headache
Causes of Bruxism
The exact cause of bruxism is unknown, but it is believed to be multicausal, which means it is triggered by multiple factors.
It is most commonly related to stress or anxiety, negative emotions which build up during the day, and manifest themselves at night through teeth grinding.
Malocclusion (a misalignment or incorrect position of the teeth) can also cause teeth grinding.
How do the teeth look like in persons suffering from bruxism (who grind their teeth)?
Biting surface of the teeth is fractured. No matter how hard we try to fix this aesthetic deficiency with fillings, they cannot survive in the mouth for long, and due to physiologically inadequate bite, they tend to fall out.
Due to the occlusal trauma, chewing forces often lead to gum inflammation (gingivitis), and if left untreated, even paradontopathy – loosening of teeth and their falling out.
Thus, it is extremely important to diagnose bruxism early on and start the treatment as soon as possible.
Mouth guards
When your stomatologist confirms that you have bruxism, he/she will suggest to make you a mouth guard. It is a very simple procedure. The impressions from both jaws are taken, based on which study models are designed. The technicians will make thin laminates using the vacuum machine, custom-fitted to your jaws. At your next appointment, your stomatologist will give you instructions about their proper use so you can protect your teeth from further damage.
Mouth guards closely adhere to the teeth surface preventing their unconscious contact during the night. The mouth guard is placed in the mouth before going to bed. You shouldn't worry that it will interrupt your sleep, since it's soft and light. After one month, you will notice the improvement. The pain in the muscles and joints will cease and further damage of the teeth surface will be stopped.
Making of the mouth guards – price
Making of the mouth guards at the Pavlovic Clinic costs RSD 8,500.
You can make your dental appointment by phone or in person, and our friendly staff will schedule you for the first available slot.
