One of the most common dental conditions a dentist runs across, although not all of them realize it, is bruxism. What is bruxism? Bruxism is an oral parafunctional activity which most people experience at some point in their life. Its main characteristics are the grinding of teeth and the clenching of the jaw, which usually occurs at night but can also occur during the day.

For people who suffer from bruxism, deep sleep or even naps can cause the reflex nerve control center in the brain to “turn off”, leading to the activation of these reflex pathways – and thus the grinding of teeth. For most people, the incisors and canines (in other words, the front six upper and lower teeth) grind against one another laterally. The side-to-side action puts undue strain on the jaw muscles, leading to a sore mouth, earaches, and headaches. It is not uncommon for people with bruxism to be undergoing severe or chronic stress, Alzheimer's disease, and/or alcohol abuse.

A Westlake Village Dentist Who Treats Bruxism

Unfortunately, few doctors and dentists recognize the symptoms of bruxism. In most people, bruxism is misdiagnosed or not diagnosed at all. Why? Bruxism is one of several potential causes of tooth wear, so only a trained professional can differentiate wear caused by aggressive brushing, abrasive foods, or acidic soft drinks from wear caused by bruxism.

At Dr. Shindler's office, we have a dentist who is especially skilled at recognizing bruxism and providing relief for the symptoms associated with bruxism.

Bruxism can be very damaging to the teeth. Contact us to schedule an appointment and treat it as soon as possible.

Why Treatment Matters

Although clenching your jaw and grinding your teeth may seem relatively benign, in truth it is a condition which can lead to serious consequences. You need a dentist who understands that your bruxism is no small matter. Some of the consequences of bruxism can include:
•    Gum recession and tooth loss: Are your gums receding? Bruxism is a leading cause of gum recession and tooth loss. Bruxism directly damages the soft tissue, leading to loose teeth and deep pockets where bacteria can fester and destroy the supporting bone.
•    Tooth Fracture: Abnormal wear patterns caused by bruxism lead to fractures in the teeth, which could later require restorative treatment.
•    Arthritis and TMJ: In chronic cases, bruxism leads to painful arthritis and TMJ, a condition in which the jaw doesn't open smoothly. TMJ, in turn, can lead to migraines and long-term damage to the jaw.
•    Headaches: The most common symptoms of bruxism, as already mentioned, are muscle pain and debilitating headaches.


Treatment Options for Bruxism

At our Westlake Village dentist office, we treat bruxism in a variety of ways, depending upon the situation and the patient's wishes. Some of the treatment options our Westlake Village dentist offers include:

•    Botox: Botox has more than just cosmetic applications. Injected into the jaw muscles, Botox relaxes and weakens the muscles enough to prevent bruxism, but does not interfere with everyday functions such as chewing and speaking.
•    NTI-tss device: Fitted by a health professional and covering only the front teeth, an NTI-tss device prevents the grinding of the rear molars.
•    Mouthguards: Acrylic mouthguards worn during sleep prevent long-term tooth damage and minimize abrasion to the chewing surface.


Dr. Shindler is a dentist who can also provide you with other forms of treatment, including teaching you relaxation exercises, stress management, and using biofeedback devices. Controlling bruxism means protecting your crowns, gum grafts, and other dental procedures, not to mention putting an end to bruxism also means putting an end to waking up with a sore jaw and headache.

Are you suffering from bruxism? Dr. Shindler offers you several treatment methods, each proven to be effective in treating bruxism and preventing its effects.