35 ANS D’EXPÉRIENCE
VOS
DENTISTES SUR
LE PLATEAU MONT-ROYAL
Notre clinique se distingue à Montréal en étant une pionnière dans l’utilisation des technologies. En plus d’une gestion des dossiers patients sans papier, celles-ci nous permettent de prodiguer des soins confortablement, rapidement et avec une grande précision.
Bruxism. You may have already heard this term, which refers to the grinding or clenching of teeth that occurs during sleep. To help prevent the significant damage it can cause, we wanted to raise awareness among our readers about bruxism. This article will provide you with all the information you need to recognize the signs and symptoms associated with bruxism, and to consult your dentist if you have concerns.
Bruxism occurs when the jaw muscles—responsible, among other things, for chewing—contract involuntarily during sleep. This causes the upper teeth to rub against or press on the lower teeth. The exact causes of bruxism are still unclear, though the problem may be linked to anxiety.
Bruxism is most damaging when it happens during sleep, as there is no control over it. The pressure exerted on the teeth and temporomandibular joints (TMJ) can be significant, which may lead to various consequences:
In some cases, bruxism produces a loud, sometimes piercing grinding noise that can even disturb the sleep of the person’s partner.
If you frequently wake up with headaches or pain in the jaw joints, you may be suffering from bruxism. The condition is often diagnosed by the dentist during a comprehensive oral examination, as they can detect signs of premature wear on the teeth.
Dentin hypersensitivity—caused by the exposure of dentin following enamel wear—can also be a warning sign, especially if combined with other symptoms of bruxism.
In the long term, untreated bruxism can pose real risks to dental and oral health. Since the condition may be linked to anxiety, relaxation techniques can be helpful. In some cases, medication or physiotherapy may be necessary to relax the jaw muscles and reduce tension.
However, the primary goal during your dental consultation is to limit the damage caused by bruxism. An effective solution exists: the occlusal splint (night guard). This protective device is custom-made from dental impressions. It is worn over the teeth during sleep and, because it is made of very hard and durable plastic, it absorbs the shocks caused by grinding and distributes pressure evenly. It is therefore a highly effective solution for protecting the teeth and preventing issues such as premature wear, while also safeguarding the TMJ.
Your dentists at Plateau Mont-Royal can advise you if you believe you suffer from bruxism and guide you toward the appropriate solution. Do not hesitate to contact the team at the Centre Dentaire de Haute Technologie du Québec.
