Bruxism – Teeth grinding – Treatment
Teeth grinding is also known as bruxism. It causes severe, premature tooth wear.
It is during sleep that friction between the teeth has the greatest impact:
- Enamel wear
- Dentin wear
- Tooth pain with temperature changes
- Tooth fracture
Causes of bruxism
Bruxism can be caused by an imbalance or misalignment (occlusion) between the upper and lower jaws. It can also be linked to stress or anxiety, leading to “jaw clenching”.
Symptoms of bruxism
Squeaking occurs mainly at night. Many people learn that they brux from their spouse, who hears the sound of teeth rubbing while sleeping.
When you wake up in the morning, your jaw muscles may ache.
Why is bruxism harmful?
Chronic grinding leads not only to tooth wear, but also to dental fractures. Severe bruxism can worsen the condition of the jaw joints (pain, cracking, popping) and change the appearance of the face.
Treatment of bruxism :
Wearing a mouthpiece to rebalance the contact between the teeth is recommended.
New techniques for bonding ceramic veneers to the whole tooth have made it possible to rebuild teeth damaged by wear. These comprehensive restorative techniques help protect your teeth, stop grinding and maintain their vitality.
For more information, contact our dental office in Lyon!
The photos below are before-and-after shots taken at Dr Touati’s dental surgery: