Bruxism Treatment in Armadale

Various genetic, psychological, and socio-cultural factors can contribute to bruxism. Most of the time, it comes with other things like stress, anxiety, or sleep problems.

• Stress and Anxiety: Teeth grinding is often a result of stress and anxiety. It gets worse as stress and anxiety levels rise. In most cases, the patient’s symptoms also disappear once the cause is eliminated. In some cases, frustration or anger can contribute to the development of bruxism. If you clench your teeth while awake, it can either be a coping mechanism or a habit.
• Medications: Grinding your teeth can be a side effect of certain medications. Paroxetine and sertraline are two SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) antidepressants known to cause teeth grinding.
• Dental Malocclusion: Bruxism can be caused by misaligned teeth. No clear consensus exists, however, on whether misalignment causes the disorder. According to some, it aggravates preexisting conditions and results in malocclusion.
• Lifestyle and Habits: There are several different lifestyles and habits that can contribute to teeth grinding or exacerbate the problem. Tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, and the use of drugs such as cocaine and ecstasy, as well as excessive caffeine consumption, are some of the most damaging habits.
• Sleep Disorders: Those who suffer from sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are more prone to sleep bruxism. OSA causes disrupted sleep and difficulty breathing during the night.
• Neurological Disorders: Bruxism is reported to be much more common in individuals who suffer from certain neurological disorders, including anoxic encephalopathy, Rett syndrome, and cerebellar hemorrhage.
• Genetics: A tendency toward bruxism is inherited and varies by neurotransmitter levels. Families may be affected by hormonal changes or gene variations caused by increased hormone levels.

At Prospect Road Dental, we offer several dental treatments for bruxism, including:

1. Custom-made Bruxism Mouth Guard: Mouth guards protect your teeth and reduce the amount of stress when you grind or clench your teeth. Your dentist will create a mould or take an impression of your teeth so that a dental technician can create a mouth guard or occlusal splint that will fit your teeth and mouth perfectly.
2. Dental Crowns: If you have damaged the surface of your teeth through grinding and clenching, you might need dental crowns. Dental crowns usually require two dental visits. Your first appointment involves an examination and preparation of your teeth. We will scrape a thin layer of enamel from your teeth and take impressions with a putty-like material or a computerised scanner. The dental impressions will be used to make your dental crowns. Once the permanent crown is ready, you will need to come back for the crown fitting.
3. Orthodontic Treatment: Clear aligners or braces can straighten your teeth and protect them from grinding at the same time. It can also reduce or eliminate jaw pain. Your dentist will take X-rays, scans, and impressions of your teeth and these information will be used to create your customised aligners or braces.

A majority of people are unaware that they grind their teeth at night. However, certain signs of bruxism may indicate that you grind your teeth at night:

• Chipped, broken, or fractured teeth
• Worn enamel, exposing the deeper layers
• Cracked fillings or crowns
• Sensitive teeth or tooth pain
• Loose teeth
• Jaw or facial pain
• Locked jaw
• Ear, neck, and shoulder pain
• Headaches or migraines
• Bleeding gums or cheeks
• Disturbed sleep
• Grinding and clenching sounds during sleep
• Waking up feeling tired even after enough sleep

Mouth guards can reduce the impact of bruxism, such as wear and tear on teeth, morning headaches, and improve sleep quality. They minimise the damage to teeth due to grinding by holding the jaw in a particular position and providing a barrier.

A custom mouth guard is tailored to fit snugly around your teeth and provide maximum protection. To create the right custom mouth guard for you, your dentist will make a professional impression of your teeth and send them to a dental lab where they will be manufactured. At your next dental appointment, your dentist will be able to make sure the night guard fits properly before you take it home. Your custom mouth guard won’t become loose, fall out, or be uncomfortable to wear.