Teeth grinding refers to rubbing of teeth together during the day or night. This phenomenon can result in breakdown of tooth structure, removal of enamel and dentin and sensitivity. You may also feel toothache when you eat sugary food items, or drink hot or cold beverages.
Teeth grinding can be diagnosed by the dentist during a regular check-up. It is characterized by flattening of the surface of teeth and signs of sensitivity and toothache. Teeth grinding needs to be evaluated by your dentist during several visits. It is a progressive change and observing your teeth over time will help the dentist determine whether you need some sort of teeth grinding treatment or not.
The first step in finding teeth grinding treatment in Melbourne is to see what the cause of the problem might be. The dentist will ask you some questions about your health in general, your dental health, your sleep habits, and your daily routines.
Here are some of the exercises that your dentist might perform to check for bruxism:
• If there is any tenderness in the muscles of your jaw.
• If there are any abnormalities in relation to your teeth, like a broken tooth or a missing one.
• If there is any other damage to your teeth, the bone underlying the teeth or the insides of your cheeks. This will be done by taking X-rays.
• Other damage to your teeth, the underlying bone and the inside of your cheeks, usually with the help of X-rays
The dentist will see if there are any other problems, like jaw or ear pain, any disorders with your TMJ, or dental or health conditions.
If your bruxism is related to some sleep disorders, the dentist will recommend you see a specialist in sleep medicine. The specialist might conduct more tests on you, like a sleep study that will assess when exactly are you grinding your teeth during the night. This will help him determine whether you have sleep apnea or some other sleep related disorder.
If you have any anxiety or mood disorders due to which you are grinding your teeth, the dentist will refer you to a therapist or counselor.
What are the teeth grinding treatments in Melbourne?
When it comes to teeth grinding solutions, treatment may not be necessary in all cases. In children, bruxism in childhood may be overcome by adulthood without any intervention. But if the problem persists and is extremely severe, there are certain treatment options worth considering. They can prevent tooth damage, and also relieve the pain and discomfort in jaw caused by tooth grinding.
Dental approach to teeth grinding solutions
If your child has bruxism, the Holistic Dental Melbourne will most likely suggest preventive wear to stop the damage to the teeth. These methods can also be helpful for correcting the wearing down of teeth. They are as follows:
• Splints or mouth guards: mouth guards help you in keeping your teeth in your upper and lower jaw separated from each other. This does not allow clenching or grinding to happen during the night. These devices can be made either with acrylic, which is a hard material, or with softer materials that cover the teeth of both the upper and the lower jaw.
• Dental correction devices: these devices are used when the wearing down of teeth has resulted in sensitivity and inability for you to chew. In such cases, the dentist will reshape the surface of the teeth that you use for chewing. This may be done with the help of veneers. The dentist may also use a crown to repair the damage that has already occurred.
Non dental approach to teeth grinding treatment in Melbourne
• Stress management: this is used for those individuals who grind their teeth because of stress. There are some techniques that can help them in learning how to relax, such as meditation. If you are suffering from anxiety which is exacerbating your bruxism, you may be advised to speak with a therapist.
• Behavioral changes: certain techniques like proper positioning of the mouth and jaw can help you with bruxism too. These techniques are practiced mindfully and you can ask your dentist about them.
• Biofeedback: this process involves changing your habits by feedback mechanism. The process involves using equipment that tell you how to control the muscles in your jaw and prevent bruxism.
Medicinal approach to bruxism
Generally speaking, medicines are usually not very effective when it comes to bruxism. More research is needed to figure out what sort of medicines may be needed for correcting bruxism. Here are some medicines that can help alleviate some symptoms of the problem:
• Muscle relaxants: these medicines help in relaxing your jaw muscles. At the recommendation of your dentist, you will be using them just before bed.
• Botox: injection of this drug are used in the form of botulinum toxin are used in cases where bruxism is very severe and the person is not responding to any other types of treatments.
• Anti-anxiety medication: short term use of antidepressants or medicines that are anxiolytic in nature can help you deal with the stress that may be causing you to develop bruxism.
