Bruxism is the grinding of the teeth, and is typically accompanied by the clenching of the jaw. It is an unfavourable oral habit that occurs in most humans at some time in their lives While bruxism may be a day or night time activity, it is bruxism during sleep which causes the majority of health issues, and can even occur during short naps. Bruxism is one of the most common sleep disorders, and can result in severe wear and damage of both teeth and jaws.
Symptoms
- Morning headaches
- Jaw pain
- TMJ pain
- Facial muscle and nerve pain
- Earache
- Sinus pain
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ear)
- Vertigo
- Neck pain
- Shoulder pain
- Back pain
- Poor sleep
- Waking exhausted
- Stress or tension
- Depression
- Eating disorders
- Insomnia
- Daytime sleepiness
- Eye irritation
- Head tingling
At least 30% of adults, and perhaps as many as 50% of people, in some demographics snore. Studies suggest an increased susceptibility to snoring as age increases.
Treatment
Occlusal splints (also called bite splints, bite planes, or night guards) are removable dental appliances carefully molded to fit the upper or lower arches of teeth.
They are used to protect tooth and restoration surfaces, manage jaw dysfunction, and stabilize bites or create space prior to restoration procedures. People prone to nocturnal bruxism, or night time clenching, should routinely wear occlusal splints at night.
They generally cover all the teeth of the upper or lower arch, but partial coverage is sometimes used. Occlusal splints are usually used on either the upper or the lower teeth, termed maxillary splints or mandibular splints respectively, but sometimes both types are used at the same time. Maxillary splints are more common, although various situations favor mandibular splints.
Stabilizing or Michigan-type occlusal splints are generally flat against the opposing teeth, and help jaw muscle relaxation, while repositioning occlusal splints are used to reposition the jaw to improve occlusion.
At Churchill Dental, we can provide Occlusal Splints when treatment for Bruxism
is required. Make an appointment now.
