Dr. Mogell Dental Blog

Boca Raton Cosmetic Dentist

Bruxism and Your Bite

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Grinding your teeth? Clenching on a regular basis? You may have a condition called bruxism. Bruxism can ruin your bite, damage your teeth and cause great discomfort. It affects an estimated 20% of the population with some people being daytime clenchers and grinders and others doing the damage during their sleep.

The human jaw is very strong and the clenching and grinding that occurs during sleep can produce as much as 250 pounds of force per square inch - enough to do severe damage:

The enamel on the teeth becomes worn away exposing the dentin which causes sensitivity and pain
Cracks in teeth and broken fillings
Headaches, neck and jaw pain caused by muscle spasms due to damage to the temporomandibular joint (jaw joint)
Teeth worn flat, changing the bite and causing damage to the temporomandibular joint

Why some people experience bruxism is still a mystery, but we can protect your teeth from damage and repair any problems that have already been created because of the grinding. A custom fit orthotic device can be created that will protect your teeth and jaw joint when you unconsciously clench or grind your teeth. These devices are small and unobtrusive when worn. Using the techniques of neuromuscular dentistry we can position your jaw in a place that keeps jaw muscles relaxed and stress free. By stopping the muscle spasms that often accompany bruxism you can avoid headaches, neck pain and the orthotic will prevent damage to teeth. If you experience facial or jaw pain, jaw clicking, tinnitus, chronic headaches or neck pain then bruxism might be causing these symptoms. Find out more please contact Dr. Kenneth Mogell in Boca Raton, FL today at 561-394-9000 and ask about neuromuscular dentistry and TMJ treatment.

Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.