Bruxism or teeth grinding is a condition affecting millions of people some of whom are totally unaware they grind. Mild tooth grinding may not require treatment but long term tooth grinding can lead to serious problems including TMJ disorders, headaches and damaged teeth.
Sean Corry at Corry Dental Care is highly trained in recognising the signs and symptoms of tooth grinding and wear and in treating the effects of tooth wear and grinding. Through the Dawson Academy, of which he is affiliate, he is one of a group of like minded dentists who diagnose and treat not just the teeth but the whole masticatory system, that is teeth and gums, muscles, joints and bones around them and how they affect the body as whole.
How will I know I grind my teeth?
Some of the signs and symptoms of teeth grinding are:
– worn, flat and chipped teeth
– Abraded tooth enamel
– Sensitive teeth
– Jaw pain or tension in the jaw muscles
– Earache
– Headaches
– Facial pain
– Cheek biting giving cuts or ulcers inside the cheeks
What causes tooth grinding?
The main cause of teeth grinding is stress
If your teeth grinding is caused by stress you may benefit from relaxation techniques such as yoga, taking exercise or even anxiety or stress medication.
Other cause of teeth grinding include
– Malocclusion (improper alignment of the teeth)
– TMJ dysfunction (TMD)
– Parkinson’s disease
– Huntingdon disease
– Anxiety, anger or tension
How can teeth grinding be treated?
The treatment of tooth grinding can be divided into 3 stages:
- First the tooth grinding or clenching needs to be stopped or at least reduced
- Second the cause of the tooth grinding needs to be diagnosed and treated
- Third the damage caused by the tooth grinding needs to be corrected which in itself can help with the management of the tooth grinding.
The first goal is normally achieved using one of a range of dental splints which can have dramatic effects on reducing symptoms such as jaw pain, neck pain and back pain and headaches. These are custom made devices which fit over your teeth and prevent teeth clenching or grinding. They are normally worn at night but can be used at selected times during the day during stressful periods.
Sean’s further training in complex bite problems at the Dawson Academy leave him in an ideal position to correct the causes of teeth grinding. As over 95% of teeth have an improper occlusion Sean uses a number of corrections to treat the causes of tooth grinding. He corrects the malocclusions to treat the teeth grinding using techniques such as occlusal equilibration, orthodontics, dental crowns, porcelain veneers or dental implants.
Once the teeth grinding has been brought under control and the causes of the teeth grinding have been eliminated corrective treatment to repair the damage caused by the teeth grinding and restore the beauty of the smile can be completed. Sean often uses cosmetic composite bonding, porcelain veneers or dental crowns to give you back the smile you deserve.
A comprehensive examination and diagnosis can ascertain if your teeth grinding is caused by TMJ dysfunction and that being the case Sean at Corry Dental Care is well equipped to eliminate your symptoms, treat the cause and put a smile back on your face.
Contact Sean on 028 79 300020 or send him an email detailing your concerns and he will be delighted to help.