Grinding teeth

[Fanny]

I grind my teeth at night. Been doing it for long time. How can I stop this. It is wearing away my teeth. I had a hard mouth guard made but so uncomfortable to wear at night. I had one made after impressions made of lower teeth. Are you meant to also wear one on the upper teeth too? I have a lighter one for upper deck but don’t use it. How do you sleep with two in? Impossible? I tried again to sleep with lower hard one last night but can’t sleep with it. I also had a few molars out due to decay and one cracking on a nut shell in food. After teeth removal do you need to have new guard made? I heard you can get cones put in ears to stop you grinding rather like hearing aids. Do they work? does hypnosis work? What causes the grinding? Is it anxiety? Stress?

 

[Dr M]

Good day

Grinding or bruxism can have a lot of causes. Some are related to stress, some can be related to a pre-existing malocclusion, previous dental restorations that lead to a malocclusion, or even to a possible TMJ disorder. It is difficult to pin point an exact cause, since a lot of investigations are needed.
Mouth guards need to be a certain thickness in order to achieve the desired outcome, and also needs to be replaced every 2 years or so, depending on how badly you grind your teeth. Usually only one is needed and patients often feel some discomfort with the bottom one.
I would suggest getting a new bite plate made, of adequate thickness, for the top and then go back to your dentist to adjust it a little if too uncomfortable. If the grinding does not cease or if the bite plate does not alleviate your symptoms, it might be necessary to go and see a TMJ specialist, which will then do further investigations in order to see what can be done. Sometimes additional medication is required with physiotherapy of associated muscles. Sometimes there can be a psychological factor that needs to be addressed. And in extreme cases, surgery can be a solution.
But this will be for a specialist to decide.

Hope this helps a little.

 

[Fanny]

Good day

Grinding or bruxism can have a lot of causes. Some are related to stress, some can be related to a pre-existing malocclusion, previous dental restorations that lead to a malocclusion, or even to a possible TMJ disorder. It is difficult to pin point an exact cause, since a lot of investigations are needed.
Mouth guards need to be a certain thickness in order to achieve the desired outcome, and also needs to be replaced every 2 years or so, depending on how badly you grind your teeth. Usually only one is needed and patients often feel some discomfort with the bottom one.
I would suggest getting a new bite plate made, of adequate thickness, for the top and then go back to your dentist to adjust it a little if too uncomfortable. If the grinding does not cease or if the bite plate does not alleviate your symptoms, it might be necessary to go and see a TMJ specialist, which will then do further investigations in order to see what can be done. Sometimes additional medication is required with physiotherapy of associated muscles. Sometimes there can be a psychological factor that needs to be addressed. And in extreme cases, surgery can be a solution.
But this will be for a specialist to decide.

Hope this helps a little.

Thank you for your reply and advice. Is the top plate easier to wear and what kind of meds would a TMJ specialist give?

 

[Dr M]

Many patients find the top plate a little bit easier yes, but it is important to go for adjustments by your dentist, if it hurts you. The range of medicine the specialist can give, is from muscle relaxants, to anti-inflammatory medicines. It all depends on the reason for the bruxism