Learn more about Bruxism.
Bruxism is a dental term for grinding or clenching of one’s teeth. If it is at nighttime during sleep we call it nocturnal bruxism. It is a habit that can be very difficult to break and left untreated could cause severe problems. Problems we see with bruxism could be looseness of teeth, pain in the teeth, jaw muscle, or temporomandibular joint, teeth moving out of position, or severe wearing of the teeth. Causes of bruxism can be multifactorial such as stress induced, medication induced, or simply an acquired habit.
Treatment usually starts with a night guard or nocturnal bruxism appliance that is rigid to protect them from the problems described previously. It is custom made for each patient so it fits perfectly. Left untreated, bruxism can cause significant issues so if you have any signs of it please seek treatment.
(The information contained in this article is strictly for educational purposes and is not meant to replace the professional knowledge or advice of your personal dentist.)