Bruxism is a very common issue that effects up to 80% of the population at some point during their lives. It is estimated that around 8% of adults have this condition in a very severe and lifelong form. It also affects up to 33% of children.
Often patients will go undiagnosed for many years suffering, often labelled with a TMJ dysfunction or atypical facial pain.
Bruxism is the grinding of teeth and clenching of the jaw that causes tooth wear, breakages, jaw joint disorders, migraines and headaches. Bruxism is most common in adults over 25 years old however children can also be affected. Most people grind and/or clench their teeth occasionally; the symptoms usually increase during stressful periods.
What Are The Problems Associated With Bruxism?
Grinding your teeth together regularly at night tends to be associated with stress and anxiety, though these are not the only reasons for it. Repeated tooth grinding wears down the enamel of your teeth, breaks or erodes caps and fillings, and causes teeth to move around the mouth due to repeated pressure. It can also cause jaw pain, tooth sensitivity, inflammation of the gums, and poor quality sleep.
Headaches, migraines, tinnitus, pain in your sinuses, and difficulty opening your mouth are other common symptoms associated with tooth clenching and grinding. If you have a severe case of this condition and sleep with your partner, the sound of your teeth grinding can disturb their sleep as well.
We provide the SCI (stress clench inhibitor) to relieve these symptoms. The SCI is a small splint that fits over the front teeth, which is worn at night time.
Using An SCI Appliance
If you suffer from this condition, we will be able to provide you with an SCI appliance. These appliances take a form similar to the types of mouthguard that you might wear during contact sports. Shaped to fit your mouth, and worn over the teeth at night, they prevent your teeth from touching each other. They also have a soft, cushioning effect which protects the teeth.
Please book your appointment with either Dorothy Quigley or Sandeep Sagoo.