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Bruxism Treatment - Adelaide
Bruxism, often referred to as teeth grinding or jaw clenching, is a common dental condition that affects individuals of all ages. This condition is characterized by involuntary and repetitive grinding, clenching, or gnashing of teeth, typically occurring during sleep but can also occur during waking hours. While occasional teeth grinding may not cause significant harm, chronic or severe cases of bruxism can lead to various oral health issues and discomfort.
The exact causes of bruxism are multifaceted and can vary from person to person. Stress and anxiety are often cited as primary contributors to bruxism, as these emotions can lead to increased muscle tension in the jaw and facial muscles. Additionally, misaligned teeth, an abnormal bite, or other dental issues can play a role in the development of bruxism, as the body may attempt to self-correct these issues through grinding or clenching.
Identifying bruxism can be challenging, as many individuals may be unaware that they grind their teeth, especially if it occurs during sleep. However, common signs and symptoms of bruxism include:
-Worn-down tooth surfaces
-Tooth sensitivity
-Jaw pain or stiffness
-Headaches, especially in the morning
-Earaches or facial pain
-Disrupted sleep patterns
Left untreated, bruxism can lead to serious dental problems such as cracked or fractured teeth, gum recession, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, and even tooth loss in severe cases. Therefore, early detection and intervention are crucial in managing bruxism and preventing long-term complications.
The Benefits
1) Prevents Dental Damage:
Bruxism treatment, such as wearing a custom-fitted mouthguard, helps protect teeth from wear and tear caused by grinding, reducing the risk of cracked or fractured teeth.
2) Relieves Jaw Pain:
Treatment for bruxism can alleviate jaw pain and discomfort associated with jaw clenching and muscle tension, improving overall jaw function and comfort.
3) Reduces Headaches:
By addressing the underlying cause of bruxism, such as stress or dental misalignment, treatment can help reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches caused by teeth grinding.
4) Improves Sleep Quality:
Bruxism treatment can lead to better sleep quality by reducing nighttime grinding and clenching, allowing for more restful and uninterrupted sleep.
5) Prevents TMJ Disorders:
Effective bruxism treatment can help prevent temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, which can cause jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds, and difficulty chewing.
6) Preserves Dental Health:
By protecting teeth from grinding and clenching, bruxism treatment helps preserve dental health, reducing the risk of tooth damage, gum recession, and other oral health issues associated with bruxism.
How it works
Book a consult with the doctor today.
If you are experiencing concerns with bruxism and teeth grinding, book an appointment with the doctor today to discuss your concerns and possible treatment methods.
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What is bruxism?
The Masseter is the powerful muscle on the side of you cheek that enables you to bite and chew. It is important for two separate reasons
A large masseter muscle makes your jaw look square. A square jaw can actually look good on some men. In fact the band of muscle below the eye also gives a somewhat manly character. But it’s a different matter if it is too square, especially if you are a woman for it takes away that feminine oval face.
Medically, a large masseter is associated with teeth grinding and bruxism, or a pain in your jaw caused by spasm of the muscles
There is some suggestion that Bruxism is associated with Migraines. Certainly it can cause headaches though one of the migraine trigger zones is in the temples.
Is bruxism (teeth grinding) really a problem?
Bruxism can cause significant issues for suffering individuals. They often experience headaches, earaches, facial and jaw pain, chipped teeth, tooth sensitivity, and gum problems. Teeth grinding inadvertently builds the masseter muscle responsible for chewing located at the angle of the jaw. This means teeth grinding can put 20 times more pressure on teeth than normal chewing or biting, and as the muscle builds strength, the worse damage it does. Headaches often turn into migraines, and facial pain can become unbearable. Enlarged masseter muscles tend to make the lower facial area appear squarer and more severe in appearance, which can also be a problem for women who suffer from bruxism.
The Doctor
Dr Rahma Targett
Dr Rahma Targett is a General Practitioner(FRACGP), with a specialty in Cosmetic Medicine. She founded Advanced Cosmetic Medicine in 2016 and has since become well known as a trusted and in demand Cosmetic Physician in Adelaide. She has a Diploma in Dermoscopy and a Diploma in Aesthetic Medicine with the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine. Dr Targett is a leader in her field and regularly attends Cosmetic conferences to keep up to date with modern aesthetic techniques. At advanced Cosmetic Medicine you can always be reassured that you will be welcomed and treated personally by Dr Rahma Targett.
