Bruxism / Teeth Grinding
Bruxism refers to the involuntary grinding or clenching of the teeth. While it usually occurs at night, it may also take place during the day. It wears out the teeth and can even result in teeth becoming completely worn down while putting extreme strain on the periodontium. It can even lead to a softening of the bite as well as damage to the muscles used for chewing (mastication), to the temporomandibular joints and to several groups of muscles around the head. Potential effects include painful syndromes such as chronic head or neck aches, tinnitus, dizziness and eyesight damage. Bruxism is often treated by wearing at night a splint specially designed to match an individual's bite. This is done to avoid damage to teeth as far as possible. However, to eliminate bruxism more comprehensively, it is often well-advised to work with both a dentist and a physiotherapist. A physiotherapeutic treatment frequently can lower the tone of the chewing muscles significantly.
In most cases, however, it is mental factors that cause bruxism to develop and persist, in particular those factors related to how fear, irritation, frustration and stress are dealt with. That is why the help of psychotherapists is frequently required in the treatment of bruxism patients. Our practice offers patients the possibility of taking an interdisciplinary approach to treating their bruxism. Treatments with hypnotherapy are also an option.
