Bruxism: Diagnosis and Treatment

Bruxism is a common dental condition characterized by the abnormal grinding of the upper and lower teeth during a semi-conscious state. The body of a sleeping person remains alert and responsive to potential alarms, causing the temporomandibular muscles to exert a force responsible for the grinding of the teeth. The pressure formed is approximately 250 pounds per square inch, which is strong enough to crack a walnut.

Clenching is a similar condition that occurs mostly during the day. Unlike bruxism, which is common to men and women of any age, clenching happens a lot more frequently to women. Women are said to be more vigilant to changes in the environment and have quicker responses. However, studies show that children suffer from bruxism and clenching the most. At a certain age, children evidently display these conditions while they are asleep.

Bruxism has a lot of serious effects on the functions and appearance of the teeth. The most predictable effect is that grinding reduces the teeth’s enamel, which makes front incisors flat and even in shape. Reduced enamel can lead to sensitivity when the inner layer of the teeth or the dentin is exposed to extreme temperatures. Many experts in industrialized cities like Las Vegas even explain that exposed dentin invites rapid cavity formation.

Las Vegas dentists associate the early discoloration of the teeth with bruxism. They believe that high pressure produces micro-cracks on the surface of the teeth, on which pigmented minerals from food and beverages stick and cause stains. The same pressure can severely push the gums, causing it to recede or weaken and later on become too weak to adequately support the teeth.

While grinding is a resulting activity of the irregular exertion of force of the temporomandibular muscles, the head and jaw receives the pressure and suffers from pain. Las Vegas dentists warn patients suffering from bruxism that severe cases can even lead to instant tooth extraction or cracking because of the grinding effect.

Children who suffer from bruxism are usually given custom-fitted biteplates by their Las Vegas family dentist to prevent the upper and lower teeth from involuntarily grinding against each other. If bruxism is caused by malpositioned teeth, orthodontic restorative procedures can help. However, since bruxism is cause majorly by stress, psychotherapy or biofeedback is preferable.