Behind the Teeth Grind: Why Bruxism is No Laughing Matter

Some people clench or grind their teeth from time to time. Triggers for teeth grinding vary from one person to another: bursts of anger, anxiety or disturbed sleep. When you clench or grind your teeth as a response to these triggers, it is normal. When you grind your teeth on regular basis, however, this may already be bruxism.

Weybridge OrthodonticsUnfortunately, most people do not take teeth grinding seriously and consider it a condition one can easily brush off. Here at Weybridge Orthodontics, we consider teeth grinding as a serious condition that requires attention—and so should you.

Understanding bruxism

Orthodontists in Weybridge describe bruxism as a medical condition describing the unnatural clenching or grinding of teeth. If you are suffering from this condition, you unconsciously grind your teeth together every morning or clench them while you sleep (sleep bruxism).

While teeth grinding occurs due to anger or anxiety, most bruxism cases occur during the night while you are asleep. These cases stem from abnormal bites and crooked or missing teeth. Sleep apnoea also plays its part in encouraging bruxism.

How serious is teeth grinding?

A number of bruxism cases occur earlier in life while the teeth undergo the development process. Fifteen percent of children reportedly clenched or grinded their teeth during their sleep. Some conditions wane as an individual enters adulthood, while others continue to experience teeth grinding.

Normal teeth grinding wears enamel at the rate of 0.3 millimetres every 10 years. In the case of bruxism patients, they experience 2 millimetres of enamel erosion during their early to mid-twenties. Sleep bruxism occurs for as long as 40 minutes which equates to 250 pounds of force. Such pressure is enough to crack a walnut.

Chronic teeth grinding results in severe cases of teeth loss, fracturing and wear. It also causes jaw problems, worsens Temporomandibular Joint Disorders and changes your facial appearance.

Bruxism – no laughing matter

Bruxism can remain undetected for years until complications develop. Some patients refuse treatment and consider teeth grinding as a habit rather than a condition. It is important to know the symptoms of bruxism and seek regular dental care from your Weybridge orthodontist.

Treat bruxism as early as now and enjoy a life free from grinding and clenching. Weybridge Orthodontics offers cost-effective bruxism remedies to all patients. Get in touch with us now for more information.