EMERGENCY TREATMENT

BRUXISM, also known as clenching and grinding, is an involuntary activity that is commonly suffered at night time, but may also occur during the day. Symptoms  commonly associated with Bruxism include headaches, aching jaw muscles, tooth wear, teeth sensitivity and damage to dental restorations. 

Teeth grinding can be caused by many factors  including stress, anxiety, sleep disorders, as well as an abnormal bite or teeth that are misaligned.   

At early stages, the effects of clenching and grinding manifest in the mouth with the flattening of the biting surfaces of the the teeth. If this condition is allowed to progress, the teeth and jaw will continue to endure damage leading to the aforementioned symptoms. 

At Camino Dental we can diagnose bruxism by conducting a thorough clinical examination.Once we diagnose and confirm the signs of clenching and grinding, we can start working together to control the problem by treating the symptoms. While there is no cure for Bruxism, there are different options that can help manage the problem preventing more damage to the teeth, muscles and jaw. 

To alleviate soreness of the jaw and tooth pain the following is advised: 

* Massaging  the jaw muscles, neck, and face to relieve tension on trigger points  

* Doing exercises to relax the jaw and keep the teeth apart 

* Using a warm, wet washcloth on the jaw 

* Use of muscle relaxants 

* Visiting a chiropractor 

* Visiting a physical therapist  

Recommendations to reduce symptoms of teeth grinding include: 

* Use of a mouthguard 

* Reducing stress 

* Getting enough sleep 

* Drinking more water 

* Not chewing gum or other foreign objects 

* Reducing alcohol and caffeine intake 

A NIGHTGUARD  ,also called an occlusal guard or an occlusal splint, is a mouthpiece custom fitted to your teeth that helps alleviate the symptoms of clenching and grinding and helps prevent further destruction of existing teeth and dental restorations. It works by creating a physical barrier between your upper and lower teeth, protecting them from the forces that damage the teeth through constant night grinding.  

There are two types of nightguards: one is a custom guard made by your dentist, who will measure your teeth by taking impressions and build the occlusal guard according to the specifications of each patient's problem. Custom night guards are often the smarter choice in protecting against bruxism because they account for your unique mouth shape and circumstances. The other type of nightguard is one you can buy over the counter at a drug store. These may fit less comfortably, because they are not designed to specifically fit your mouth. However, they still effectively shield the teeth from the damage caused by night grinding. 

There is no cure for bruxism, but it can be managed. By using a custom night guard, employing pain management tactics, and strengthening the jaw with exercises, bruxers can lessen their symptoms and avoid major dental work. 

To treat daytime bruxism, it is important to make the patient aware of the habit. Patients must be alert when awake, checking constantly that their teeth are apart.