home            about us          services           faq          contact us         appointment

Teeth Grinding - Bruxism

Bruxism is an excessive clenching or grinding of the teeth that is not a part of normal chewing movements. It can lead to excessive wear on the teeth and may cause permanent damage to the teeth and the jaw joints. Excessive clenching and grinding are not normal, healthy actions of the jaws. In some adults and children, clenching and grinding may occur during the day or at night. They typically have no conscious control over this excessive clenching and grinding, particularly when it occurs during sleep.

The causes of bruxism are still being studied. A combination of physical and psychological factors are believed to contribute to bruxism:

Physical stress such as illness, nutritional deficiencies or dehydration, particularly in    children.

Psychological stress, anxiety and tension in adults and children.

Studies have shown that night bruxism is a sleep disorder.

Other abnormal anatomy of the teeth or jaws (including 'high spots' on fillings) that    can cause an improper occlusion (also called 'bite') and lead to bruxism behaviour.