07 Apr

Is Teeth Grinding Causing You Dental Problems in the City of London?

Teeth grinding is also referred to as teeth clenching or bruxism, and is treatable in the City of London through orthodontic care.
Some people grind their teeth more than others, either as habit during sleep or due to anxious feelings. Teeth grinding erodes tooth enamel, leads to improper bite or malocclusion, head and facial pain, and jaw irregularities, such as temporomandibular joint disorder.
There are different classifications for bruxism, which include awake bruxism, sleep bruxism, primary bruxism and secondary bruxism. Some people grind their teeth when awake while concentrating or subconsciously due to anxiety. In sleep, teeth grinding occurs subconsciously because of stress.
Bruxism may occur due to underlying medical conditions. If no underlying medical condition is present, then the type of bruxism is termed primary. Secondary bruxism results from conditions such as anxiety and depression. Medications and recreational drug abuse may also cause teeth grinding habits.
In the UK teeth grinding is more common between the age of 25 and 45, however children also develop the habit. Dentists in the City of London use various techniques for diagnosis and provide bruxism treatments to modify teeth grinding behaviour and prevent oral trauma.
Dental mouth guards or splints may be prescribed and custom-made by City of London dentists for wear at night to avoid dental damage. Untreated teeth clenching wears teeth, weakening tooth structure leaving them vulnerable to infection and disease. Arthritis may develop from bruxism.
Referral may be made for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to identify and treat stress and anxiety causes. Bruxism may be viewed as a sleep disorder. Some patients may be given anxiety-reducing medications to reduce teeth clenching during sleep. City of London dentists signpost patients according to diagnosis so that they receive the care they need for improved health and well-being.