Bruxism

This is a technical term for grinding or clenching your teeth to such an extent where the tooth enamel wears down. In extreme cases it can even cause jaw ache, tense muscles, headaches & facial pain. Patients who are bruxers normally do it in their sleep. The most common signs are flat teeth, worn enamel and exposed dentine which forms discoloured, spoon shaped “cavities” on the surfaces of the effected teeth. Stress and certain personality types is the root of bruxism. Anger, pain, frustration, aggression, competitive behaviour can also trigger bruxism.

Treatment for bruxism consists of making the patient aware of the problem, providing them with a plastic mouth guard that should be worn at night which will absorb the biting forces.