Dr. Mogell Dental Blog

Boca Raton Cosmetic Dentist

Who Says You Don't Grind Your Teeth?

Monday, February 23, 2009

Who says you don't grind your teeth?

Grinding of your teeth, or Bruxism is something that many of us if not all us do to some extent. It usually is an unconscious habit that we are just not aware that we are doing. Some of us clench while we are sleeping. Some of us clench while we are concentrating. Others of us will clench and grind when we are under stress. Either way the forces generated when bruxing are nearly 10 times greater than normal chewing.
The bottom line is no matter when you clench or grind damage to your teeth can occur as a result of placing these abnormal forces on your teeth. It is said that bruxing can exert as much as 600 pounds per square inch. These forces also can do great harm to your TMJ's and the muscle associated with your TMJ’s.
What can you do about this? There are options to help. If you are aware that you have a bruxism habit during your waking hours, biofeedback can help to break the cycle. Bruxing during sleep can only be treated by wearing an orthotic appliance of the called a "night guard". The appliance is worn over your lower teeth and creates an "ideal bite" that helps to break the "habit". I always tell our patient's that it is better to grind on plastic than to grind on your own teeth.
If you have noticed the effects of bruxism; sore teeth, sore muscles or chipping or cracking of teeth, please consider having an applaince made to protect your teeth and TMJ's.
We want to help! We can be reached for an appointment at 561-394-9000.

Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.