Bruxism, also called clenching or grinding, starts early in life while the permanent teeth are still in the process of developing. 15% of all children grind or clench their teeth. As the stresses of life mount, it seems that many people deal with those stresses while they are sleeping. 90% of individuals that clench and grind while asleep have no conscience remembrance of the habit. It is not uncommon for a grinder (men and women, equally) to experience 2 millimeters of enamel loss by their mid-twenties. What's more concerning, nighttime grinding can occur as often as 40 minutes for every hour of sleep, producing up to 250 pounds of force per square inch. That is enough pressure to crack a walnut!Consequences:
- Front teeth wear down and become flat and even in length
- Cracks and broken fillings, eventually leading to nerve damage
- Teeth ground down to the dentin, causing sensitivity to heat and cold
- Gum recession, due to pressure on the gum line
- Loose teeth and gum pockets, caused by the back and forth "rocking" effect
- Headaches and aching jaws due to overuse of muscles
If you have any of the signs or symptoms of bruxism, call our office at 918-455-0123. A simple, painless custom nightguard appliance can be made to protect your teeth from the adverse effects of grinding.
God Bless,
DRT
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