11Feb2011

Drs. Hammond and Ellis Can Help With Bruxism and Abfraction

EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE, WE ALL CLENCH OUR TEETH A LITTLE when we are intently focused on something or if we feel “stressed out”. Fortunately, this occasional, minor clenching isn’t usually a big problem.

However, chronic grinding and clenching can lead to fractured teeth, severe jaw problems and even permanent tooth loss for many people!

Thankfully, highly experienced dentists like Drs. Hammond and Ellis can offer specialized treatment of conditions like these, giving you the chance to change your quality of life for the better.

First, a couple of simple definitions:

Bruxism

Bruxism is a condition that involves gnashing, clenching, and/or grinding your teeth. Many people with this condition unconsciously clench their teeth together all day long, and oftentimes at night too (known as sleep bruxism). Mild bruxism may not require treatment, but frequent clenching can lead to headaches, damaged teeth, and jaw disorders. By keeping your regular checkups with Drs. Hammond and Ellis, they will be able to diagnose the symptoms of bruxism BEFORE they become major problems.

Abfraction

Abfraction refers to the loss of tooth structure from “flexural” force. The extreme pressure that results from bruxism can cause teeth to flex over time and lead to tooth abfractures along the gum line in the the middle/back teeth (bicuspid region). As this condition worsens, the abfractures will spread back to the molars and forward to the front teeth—especially for those of you clenching in a “foward to back motion”.

Not only can these conditions be very painful if left untreated, but they can also cause severe migraines and damaging effects on your TMJ joint.

We Can Help

Fortunately for our patients here at Hammond and Ellis, our doctors are highly skilled in neuromuscular dentistry, and they thoroughly understand the relationships between your teeth and the muscles and nerves in and around your jaw. This understanding ensures that they make the very best recommendations for solving dental related problems, and there are many different options they will consider to help you. Some treatments are designed to cover painful exposed roots and others include designing and custom fitting a night-guard to wear while you’re asleep.

A Few Simple Things You Can Do To Help With Bruxism

Cut back on caffeine, or cut it out all together.
Don’t chew on non-food items like the end of your pencil or pen.
Avoid alcohol. Grinding intensifies after alcohol consumption.
Relax the muscles in your jaw before bed by holding a warm washcloth against your cheek in front of your earlobe.
If you notice yourself clenching during the day, train yourself not to do it.
Reduce stress through exercise and/or counseling.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact us by phone at (801) 374-0070, using our contact page, or on FACEBOOK.