Grinding of Teeth
Alternate Names : Bruxism
What can be done to prevent the condition?
Prevention and treatment of this condition are very similar. Treatment is aimed
at stopping the habitual clenching or grinding of the teeth. A person should
visit a dentist as soon as he or she is aware of this problem.
Prevention and treatment may include the following:
bite modification procedures, sometimes called bite equilibration
biofeedback therapy
mild sleeping aids
mouthguards to wear at night
muscle relaxants
orthodontia, or special dental appliances such as braces
repair of faulty dental crowns or restorations
replacement of missing teeth
stress management
counseling
What are the long-term effects of the condition?
If ignored or inadequately treated, teeth grinding can lead to the following
serious complications:
gingivitis, or gum inflammation
loss of teeth
periodontitis, or inflammation of tissue around the base of a
tooth
severe wear on teeth
temporomandibular joint
disorders, or TMJ
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