Do you experience more jaw and neck pain when you're stressed? Do you suffer from disrupted sleep or morning headaches that seem to coincide with work deadlines or other pressures? If this sounds familiar, it could be a sign of Bruxism...
What is Bruxism?
Teeth grinding and clenching – also known as Bruxism- affects approximately 80% of the population and can be the cause of many painful symptoms, including jaw and neck pain, toothache, migraines, aching facial muscles and morning headaches. Teeth grinding and clenching can permanently damage your teeth as the enamel is worn away, and can cause Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome.
Bruxism is most common in adults over 25. Although the cause is not fully understood, symptoms often worsen during stressful periods.
Many individuals are oblivious to their teeth grinding, or don’t think to mention the symptoms to their dentist because, with the exception of tooth wear, they are not typically dental related. Worryingly, the majority of these patients suffer in silence, ill-equipped with information about who to go to for help and unaware of simple solutions available.
Why Bruxism Awareness Week was created
The event (which recently took place on 21st-27th October) started due to a lack of public awareness, plus a surprising lack of knowledge among dental professionals. Launched in 2010, Bruxism Awareness Week aimed to educate sufferers as to the nature of their condition, encouraging them to contact their dentist for quick, simple and uncomplicated treatment.
Blyton Dental also believe in driving awareness of the under-diagnosed condition and we strongly encourage you to contact us if you experience any of the symptoms above.
Bruxism treatment at Blyton Dental
There are various treatments proposed to stop or reduce Bruxism, the most common being occlusal splints (dental appliances). In many cases, a simple dental splint - worn whilst sleeping - can reduce the intensity of bruxism and therefore relieve the associated symptoms. At Blyton Dental, we'll check your teeth and jaw for signs of teeth grinding. Non-surgical treatments such as lifestyle changes and self-help physiotherapy-type treatments are tried first. However, in addition to conventional soft and hard splints, we also offer a variety of laboratory-made occlusal splints, including a Sleep Clenching Inhibitor ( SCI) Appliance, a Michigan Tanner Stabilisation Splint, SCi+ and Dual Arch Sliders. More information about these splints can be found at https://s4sdental.com/occlusal-splints/
For more information about Bruxism treatment, please visit http://www.bruxism.org.uk/
Painkillers aren't a permanent solution. If you suspect that Bruxism may be the cause of your painful symptoms, then contact the practice today on 01427 628999 to book a consultation or to find out how we can help you.
Sources:
http://www.bruxism.org.uk/
https://s4sdental.com/