Bruxism is defined as teeth tightening through muscle contractions. The teeth will become worn after a while, because the jaw tends to be overstocked, causing muscle spasm associated with discomfort and pain. Bruxism can happen day or night, occurring at any time of day and is the most damaging dental issue a person can have. This is a disorder than cannot be repaired overnight. However, seeing your local Emergency Dentist in Chaska can help you immensely.
Classification
Diurnal bruxism is defined as clenching or teeth rubbing, sometimes unconscious, but the person is generally aware that it is happening. It is usually associated with other tics or hobbies as nail biting, lip biting. It frequently occurs when a person is trying to concentrate: working, studying and even driving. Nocturnal bruxism is totally unintentional and occurs during sleep. It can take place when tightening the jaw and can be the cause of muscle fatigue or headaches that appears when you get out of bed. A contracture of the neck muscles can also be related. Eccentric bruxism is when the teeth gnash together producing higher tooth wear, but muscular pains of any kind are hardly visible. Only your Emergency Dentist in Chaska can determine what kind you have and the best course of action to treat it.
Signs and Symptoms
Tooth wear and tooth fractures happen only in extreme cases. But the patient will usually complain of pain in the joints and muscles that may radiate to the face, neck, back and / or cause headaches. This is when going to your local Emergency Dentist in Chaska can benefit you most. Here are a few other things to keep in mind.
Tooth pain due to bruxism is caused by things like: wear of the teeth (enamel and dentin); cervical erosions in the neck of the teeth; tooth mobility; fractures of teeth; occlusal noises; and hypersensitivity or enamel loss in the neck of the teeth. There are neuromuscular causes as well. These consist of: muscle fatigue; muscle pain (in the face, neck and back); and hypertrophy of the jaw. Mandibular temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues can also cause bruxism. You may notice things like: joint pain; articular noises; and dysfunction of temporomandibular joint and temporo-mandibular disorders (TMD). You may even have ear pain or tinnitus (ear whistling). For more information, seek counsel from an Emergency Dentist in Chaska.