Bruxism

We provide gentle and compassionate care in a friendly environment. We always focus on evidence based diagnosis, patient education, and working with you to build a treatment plan that aligns with your oral health goals.

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Bruxism / Clenching and Grinding Treatment Victoria

WHAT IS BRUXISM?

Bruxism is the technical term for grinding and clenching that abrades teeth and may cause facial pain. People who grind and clench, called bruxers, unintentionally bite down too hard at inappropriate times, such as in their sleep.

In addition to grinding teeth, bruxers also may bite their fingernails, pencils and chew the inside of their cheek. People usually aren’t diagnosed with bruxism until it is too late because so many people don’t realize they have the habit. Others mistakenly believe that their teeth must touch at all times. About one in three people suffer from bruxism, which can easily be treated by a dentist.

CAN BRUXISM CAUSE HARM?

People who have otherwise healthy teeth and gums can clench so often and so hard that over time their teeth become sensitive. They experience jaw pain, tense muscles and headaches along with excessive wear on their teeth. Forceful biting when not eating may cause the jaw to move out of proper balance.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS?

When a person has bruxism, the tips of the teeth look flat. Teeth are worn down so much that the enamel is rubbed off, exposing the inside of the tooth which is called dentin. When exposed, dentin may become sensitive. Bruxers may experience pain in their temporomandibular joint (TMJ)-the jaw-which may manifest itself as popping and clicking.

Women have a higher prevalence of bruxism possibly because they are more likely to experience tissue alterations in the jaw resulting from clenching and grinding. Tongue indentations are another sign of clenching. Stress and certain personality types are at the root of bruxism. For as long as humankind has existed, bruxism has affected people with nervous tension. Anger, pain and frustration can trigger bruxing. People who are aggressive, competitive and hurried also may be at a greater risk for bruxism.

WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT IT?

During regular dental visits, the dentist automatically checks for physical signs of bruxism. If the dentist or patient notices signs of bruxism, the condition may be observed over several visits to be sure of the problem before recommending and starting therapy. The objective of therapy is to get the bruxer to change behavior by learning how to rest the tongue, teeth and lips properly.

When some people become aware of their problem, simply advising them to rest their tongue upward with teeth apart and lips shut may be enough to change their behavior and relieve discomfort. However, the dentist can make a plastic mouth appliance, such as a night guard that’s worn to absorb the force of biting. This appliance can prevent future damage to the teeth and helps change the patient’s destructive behavior.

Biofeedback is used to treat daytime clenchers by using electronic instruments to measure muscle activity and to teach patients how to reduce muscle activity when the biting force becomes too great.

Researchers are looking for other ways of treating bruxism, especially for those who tend to clench in their sleep. One researcher developed an experimental lip simulator that electrically stimulates the lip when a person bites down too hard while sleeping. However, that method is being refined because the stimulation can wake sleepers several times in a night.

Insurance & Financing

We believe that high-quality dental care should accessible for everyone. That’s why we accept most major insurance plans and are priced competitively for those who wish to pay out of pocket. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

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or call 250-744-4499

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Have a question about your smile? Curious if you are covered under your current dental insurance plan? Fill out the form below and one of our professional dental team members will get back to you as soon as possible.

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Same Day Appointments Often Available

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Your Mouth, Your Decisions!

Our job is to show you what we see in your mouth, educate you on your options, and let you make the best decision for yourself. We never push unnecessary treatments and always give you options.

Give us a Call!

The first step to better oral health is booking a new patient visit. Give us a call at 250-744-4499 or request an appointment online.

Initial Visit

During your first visit we will take some digital X-Rays and see what’s going on inside of your mouth. Then, we’ll learn about your oral health goals and come up with a treatment plan.

Next Visit

Once we have shared our recommendations, we want you make the best decisions for yourself. We will never be pushy or recommend treatments that you do not need.

250-744-4499

New Patients are Always Welcome at our Practice!

Have a question about your smile? Curious if you are covered under your current dental insurance plan? Fill out the form below and one of our professional dental team members will get back to you as soon as possible.

REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT

or call 250-744-4499

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New Patients are always welcomed at our practice!

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