Virginia Beach Dental Office - Teeth Grinding

Bruxism, or grinding of the teeth, is an extremely common phenomenon. Studies have shown that as high as 20%, or 1 in 5, adults exhibit some degree of bruxism or a less common habit of clenching.

Princess Anne Center for Dental Arts
2484 N Landing Road
Virginia Beach, VA, 23456
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Chewing is a complex activity consisting of both reflex muscle action and conscious control by the brain. Bruxism and clinching are considered parafunctional habits, meaning that they are subconscious. The reflex component is active while the brain is not. This simply means that muscles are working without the conscious control of the brain. Also, the degree of muscle tension and resulting force on the teeth are not controlled.

Normal chewing puts approximately 50lbs of force is placed on the teeth. Studies have shown that during parafunctional habits, as much as 1,100lbs of force can be exerted. Additionally, during grinding this force is not placed vertically along the teeth as in normal chewing, but often side-to-side. This places excessive force on the teeth in unnatural directions resulting in excessive wear and fracturing of teeth. This is often first seen as wear on the cusp tips of the canines.

Most individuals brux during their sleep, while fewer do so both while sleeping and periodically during the day. Many are unaware that they have the habit, while others often experience periodic symptoms such as tightness of facial muscles upon wakening or waking from sleep with the jaws clinched.

Since the habit is subconscious and beyond the control to the individual, treatment is aimed at preventing damage to the teeth and joints. A small appliance, called an occlusal guard, is used to do this. Let us know if you feel you maybe bruxing or clenching.

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