One in Three People Suffer from Bruxism, Which Can Easily Be

From the office of: Peter C. Farmer, DDS 2191 Market St Ste B Bruxism San Francisco, CA 94114-4305 (415) 255-0400

AGD:FACTSHEETCompiled for you by the Academy of General Dentistry

WHAT EXACTLY IS BRUXISM?

Bruxism is the technical term for teeth What can be done? grinding and clenching that causes Your general dentist automatically facial pain. People unintentionally checks for physical signs of bruxism and bite down too hard at inappropriate if it seems to be present the condition times, such as in their sleep. In addition may be observed over several visits these bruxers may also may bite their before recommending and starting ﬁ ngernails, pencils and chew the inside therapy. The objective of therapy is of their cheek. People usually aren’t to get the bruxer to change behavior diagnosed with bruxism until it is too ?by learning how to rest the tongue, late because so many people don’t teeth and lips properly. While simply realize they have the habit. Others becoming aware of the problem and mistakenly believe that their teeth must changing their behavior may be enough touch at all times. for some people, others will have to wear a plastic mouth appliance, such as a night guard that’s worn to absorb Who suffers from bruxism? the force of biting. This appliance can Bruxism is triggered by people with prevent future damage to the teeth and certain types of personalities. They helps change the patient’s destructive may have a nervous tension and a hard behavior. Biofeedback is used on time handling stress. Anger, pain and daytime grinders by using electronic frustration can cause people to start What are the signs instruments to measure muscle activity showing the beginning signs of bruxism and to teach patients how to reduce of bruxism? with out them even knowing it. People muscle activity when the biting force ?who are aggressive, competitive and P Tips of the teeth look ﬂ at becomes too great. Researchers are still hurried also may be at a greater risk for experimenting with new ways to help P Extreme sensitivity due to the bruxism. those who tend to clench in their sleep. inside of the tooth (dentin) being exposed from grinding ?P Jaw pain due to popping and clicking of the One in three people suffer from bruxism, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) which can easily be treated by a dentist. P Tongue indentations

> For more information, visit www.agd.org or call 1.877.2X.A.YEAR (1.877.292.9327).

89 Factsheet.ind 32 8/10/05, 3:33:15 PM