Bruxism means grinding your teeth and the Bible refers to it as gnashing your teeth. Over many years bruxism will flatten teeth. This flattening can often first be seen as the cuspids, or vampire, teeth flatten and it is can be seen when a patient with bruxism smiles. If a patient's bruxism continues over many years, it can destroy the patient's teeth by bruxing all the way into the nerve canals.

          Some bruxism patients make a great deal of noise while bruxing and their spouses may complain of not being able to get to sleep. One of the first signs of bruxism is teeth that become sensitive to hot and cold. This occurs because of the flexing of the teeth that happens when they are ground from side to side. Teeth were not designed to flex so they begin to melt at the areas of bending right above the gums. This area can become very sensitive. Over time notches can develop in the roots of these teeth. This is called abfraction.

          Many patients with bruxism develop large bone bumps as the body attempts to strengthen the bone supporting the bruxing teeth. Bruxism patients often have temporal headaches due to the overworked chewing muscles. Sometimes they complain of dreams of losing their teeth. This is probably due to the brain incorporating the grinding pressures on the teeth while the patient sleeps into the dream that the patient is experiencing.

          Bruxism often becomes worse when a patient is emotionally or physically stressed. Many patients with bruxism have headaches associated with their bruxism. However, headaches seem to occur much more with women with bruxism rather than men. The primary treatment for bruxism is aimed at protecting the teeth. The Atlanta Dental Group, PC dentists recommend a mandibular soft guard along with a six week program to reduce muscle irritation.

      If you are having bruxism problems and would like to consult with an Atlanta Dental Group, PC dentist, please call and make an appointment at 404-874-7428.