Question....Bruxism?!


Question: A few days ago, my dentist told me I had a mild case of Bruxism. It never clicked with me until then--I asked how he knew, and he told me my teeth edges had tiny sections of wear. It's not obvious to the untrained eye.
However, I asked him how much this will damage my teeth in the future and about a mouthguard, and he told me not to worry and stay "stress-free."
If I have signs of wear, no matter how small, I don't want any more damage done. I had braces and dental work for 5+ years to fix a crossbite, and now that I have a great smile, I don't want it ruined. Maybe once a month I wake up with jaw cramps, and it wasn't enough for me to worry in the beginning.

Is he correct in that I shouldn't be worried? I don't want to risk any more tooth damage, no matter how small. I love my teeth the way they are and have a great dental track record.
Aaaannnddd.....where can I obtain mouthguards that AREN'T for sports?


Answers: A few days ago, my dentist told me I had a mild case of Bruxism. It never clicked with me until then--I asked how he knew, and he told me my teeth edges had tiny sections of wear. It's not obvious to the untrained eye.
However, I asked him how much this will damage my teeth in the future and about a mouthguard, and he told me not to worry and stay "stress-free."
If I have signs of wear, no matter how small, I don't want any more damage done. I had braces and dental work for 5+ years to fix a crossbite, and now that I have a great smile, I don't want it ruined. Maybe once a month I wake up with jaw cramps, and it wasn't enough for me to worry in the beginning.

Is he correct in that I shouldn't be worried? I don't want to risk any more tooth damage, no matter how small. I love my teeth the way they are and have a great dental track record.
Aaaannnddd.....where can I obtain mouthguards that AREN'T for sports?

When I was finishing college, I had four canals treatments in one year. At the time I was under a great deal of stress, but unfortunately I had no idea that the stress was actually contributing to the problems with my teeth. Years later a better dentist recognized the unusual wear on the edges of my teeth, and for the first time I heard about bruxism. The dentist explained that tooth grinding puts a lot of pressure on the roots of the teeth. He also explained that stress and anxiety seem to exacerbate bruxism. Had I known about bruxism during my senior year in college, I would have worn the protective braces, sparing my poor teeth. (I would have also have avoided some nasty headaches, as bruxism also causes those.) BE GOOD TO YOURSELF AND WEAR THE PROTECTIVE BRACES AT NIGHT.

I have it. I do it in my sleep. How do stay stress free? was your dentist kidding????
I would get a guard. Have one made or get it from the drug store. To have your dentist make one will be pricey ($300). Mine is acrylic but i was told that is not common anymore. I have worn my teeth flat over the years, even with a guard. Do get one. IMO.

It sounds like you have a mild case of bruxism only. As long as it stays that way, it isn't of much concern, you're going to wear down your teeth some just from eating anyway. Most likely you don't brux daily, but only when you are stressed or tired or have some other concern. But if you want a mouthguard there is no reason for you not to have one. Your dentist can make you a guard that is specifically for bruxers and not for sports. Normally called night guards, they are also known as 'bruxism splints'. It won't stop you from bruxing but it will protect your teeth from further wear. These are better than store bought sports mouthguards because they are made using impressions of your teeth, so they'll fit a lot better and work better to meet your needs.





The consumer health information on answer-health.com is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions.
The answer content post by the user, if contains the copyright content please contact us, we will immediately remove it.
Copyright © 2007-2011 answer-health.com -   Terms of Use -   Contact us

Health Categories