Functional analysis: Teeth grinding (bruxism) affects the jaw joint
An aching jaw joint after a night's sleep might have been caused by strong and unconscious teeth grinding during your sleep. According to the latest findings of several US scientists, approx. 30 percent of the world population grind their teeth, a phenomenon which dentists call "bruxism". In general, bruxism is caused by stress and psychological strain. In our times, this does not seem surprising. Teeth-grinding is becoming an increasingly prevalent problem with children and adolescents alike.
The consequences of bruxism can be serious, such as dental abrasion or loose teeth. Even the insertion of a dental prosthesis might become necessary as damage to the teeth occur. Apart from an aching jaw joint in the morning, headaches or muscle tensions (e.g. in the neck) are possible consequences of bruxism.
Pharmaceuticals can diminish the pain, but they do not eliminate its cause. A better and more effective means of protection is the so-called "teeth-grinding mouth guard", which looks a bit like a boxer's gum shield. Still, this device protects rather your teeth than your jaw joint. Consequently, we combine the application of the teeth-grinding mouth guard with a functional analysis of the jaw joint. Before the mouth guard can be optimally prepared, impressions of the upper and lower jaws must be taken. After completion, the guard will be fitted into place by one of our dental technicians.
Bruxism can also be cured by psychological/psychotherapeutic treatment. Please do not hesitate to ask us should you have any question about this phenomenon.
An aching jaw joint after a night's sleep might have been caused by strong and unconscious teeth grinding during your sleep. According to the latest findings of several US scientists, approx. 30 percent of the world population grind their teeth, a phenomenon which dentists call "bruxism". In general, bruxism is caused by stress and psychological strain. In our times, this does not seem surprising. Teeth-grinding is becoming an increasingly prevalent problem with children and adolescents alike.
The consequences of bruxism can be serious, such as dental abrasion or loose teeth. Even the insertion of a dental prosthesis might become necessary as damage to the teeth occur. Apart from an aching jaw joint in the morning, headaches or muscle tensions (e.g. in the neck) are possible consequences of bruxism.
Pharmaceuticals can diminish the pain, but they do not eliminate its cause. A better and more effective means of protection is the so-called "teeth-grinding mouth guard", which looks a bit like a boxer's gum shield. Still, this device protects rather your teeth than your jaw joint. Consequently, we combine the application of the teeth-grinding mouth guard with a functional analysis of the jaw joint. Before the mouth guard can be optimally prepared, impressions of the upper and lower jaws must be taken. After completion, the guard will be fitted into place by one of our dental technicians.
Bruxism can also be cured by psychological/psychotherapeutic treatment. Please do not hesitate to ask us should you have any question about this phenomenon.
Updated 25 June 2009
Edited by KU64, Dentists in Berlin, Kudamm
