Bruxism Treatments in Fort Lauderdale

Gum Recession Treatment

Bruxism is an oral parafunctional activity that commonly occurs in most people at some point in their lives.  The two main characteristics of this condition are grinding of the teeth and clenching of the jaw. These actions usually occur during a person’s sleeping hours, but occasionally they occur during the day.

Bruxism is one of the most common known sleep disorders. Chewing is a neuromuscular activity controlled by a subconscious process. During sleep, the subconscious process may become active, while the higher control is inactive (asleep), resulting in bruxism. The most common symptoms are jaw pain, jaw muscle pain, earaches and headaches.

Why should I seek treatment for Bruxism?

  • Gum recession. Bruxism is a leading cause of gum recession and tooth loss. Grinding can damage the soft tissue directly and lead to loose teeth and deep pockets where bacteria are able to colonize and destroy the supporting bone.
  • Facial pain. Grinding can eventually shorten and blunt the teeth.  This can lead to muscle pain in the myofascial region and in severe cases incapacitating headaches.
  • Occlusal trauma. The abnormal wear patterns on the occlusal (chewing) surfaces of the teeth can lead to fractures.
  • Arthritis. In the most severe cases, bruxism can eventually lead to painful arthritis in the temporomandibular (TMJ) joints that allow the jaw to open and close smoothly.

Treatment Options

-Mouthguards. An acrylic mouthguard can be designed from teeth impressions to minimize the abrasive grinding action during normal sleep. Mouthguards are expected to be worn on a long-term basis to help prevent tooth damage.

Are You in Need of Oral & Maxillofacial Treatment?

You can trust us to provide you with outstanding care. Contact us to learn more about your treatment options.

Call us: (954) 772-2000