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Take this test to see if bruxism is your diagnosis | [ − ] |
Does your jaw feel stiff? Do you have difficulty opening your mouth?
Are your teeth sensitive to cold drinks?
Do you have headaches?
Are your jaw muscles tired in the morning?
Do you see wear, damage, or fractures on your teeth or other dental work?
Does your jaw click?
If you've answered yes to any one of these questions, you may be suffering from bruxism.
More Information about Bruxism |
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What is Bruxism? Bruxism is a medical condition that describes the grinding of teeth. Clenching is just as harmful to the teeth. Bruxism usually occurs during sleep. These damaging habits can wear teeth ten times faster than those who do not grind or clench their teeth. As a result, your teeth will wear down over time and eventually be destroyed. In addition to tooth destruction, grinding or clenching affects the body! Headaches, shoulder pain, neck pain, earaches, and jaw pain can result from grinding and clenching.
What causes bruxism?
· Stress!
· Medications like antidepressants or stimulants.
· Excessive drinking of acidic drinks like colas and fruit juice which softens the teeth.
· Dry mouth (lack of salivary lubrication) which increases the potential for tooth wear.
How is bruxism treated?
Previously, full coverage nightguards were recommended to protect the teeth from grinding and clenching, but these nightguards did not stop the actual act of grinding or clenching. Patients still experienced jaw, scalp, and shoulder pain. Our office now recommends treating bruxism and TMJ (temporomandibular joint) syndrome with the FDA approved NTI Plus. NTI Plus is FDA approved for the prevention of medically diagnosed migraine pain, associated tension-type headaches, bruxism, and TMJ syndrome, through reduction of trigeminally innervated muscular activity.
Treatment: Previously, full coverage nightguards were recommended to protect the teeth from grinding and clenching, but these nightguards did not stop the actual act of grinding or clenching. Patients still experienced jaw, scalp, and shoulder pain. Our office now recommends treating bruxism and TMJ (temporomandibular joint) syndrome with the FDA approved NTI Plus. NTI Plus is FDA approved for the prevention of medically diagnosed migraine pain, associated tension-type headaches, bruxism, and TMJ syndrome, through reduction of trigeminally innervated muscular activity.
In clinical trials reviewed by the FDA, 82% of medically diagnosed migraine sufferers had a 77% average reduction of migraine pain attacks within the first eight weeks of NTI use.
NTI Plus is a small, clear, thermoplastic material that fits on your upper or lower front teeth while you sleep. It works by inhibiting your back teeth from meeting. Because your back molars cannot touch, you can stop clenching and grinding and the muscle contractions responsible for jaw, scalp, and shoulder pain. Wearing the NTI protects the teeth from damage and allows your jaw and muscles to relax.
A comprehensive exam in our office can determine if you are affected by bruxism. There is a solution. We can help you!
Endodontic Treatment (Root-Canal)
Symptoms: spontaneous pain, pain to hot stimulus, lingering pain to cold stimulus, pain with applied pressure, throbbing pain
Treatment: Root canal treatment involves removing the inner nerves of a tooth. The tooth itself remains in place but the nerve which transmits pain is threaded out. Our modern advances in root canal therapy have made this treatment easier, more comfortable, and more tolerable. Often our patients are surprised to discover that they had no discomfort!
Periodontal Treatment of Gum Disease
Symptoms: bleeding gums, tartar buildup around the gum line, unpleasant taste or odor, mobility of teeth
Treatment: surgical debridement of teeth, scaling and root planing (deep cleanings), therapeutics, periodontal maintenance (routine cleanings)
For the Anxious and Apprehensive…
If the thought of the dentist makes you anxious and afraid, we can help you overcome your fears. With a background in psychology and small gentle hands, Dr. Shin helps reverse those previous negative experiences. In our relaxing environment, you can feel safe and comfortable. With ipods, your favorite TV show, blankets, and even a teddy bear, we will make your experience positive and memorable!