Bite Splints in Richmond, BC
Clenching one's teeth might be identified as a disorder, where the converging of the teeth for sustained stretches creates irritation such as headaches occurring in the temporal region of the brow, muscle fatigue, and typically minimal to moderate weathering of the teeth, in particular the back teeth. Teeth clenching may occur at any time night or day and is sometimes linked with increased stress in the life of the individual.
Bruxism is the proper term for grinding of the teeth, which more often arises at some stage in the night while the client is sleeping. The loud sounds created by grinding will typically go unnoticed by the grinder but will be noticed by others. Tooth grinding has a tendency to bring an outcome of moderate to serious wear on the enamel of the teeth, not to mention chipping or cracking of the teeth. Both matters can trigger a decline of the periodontal tissues and ensuing bone loss, which then exposes the responsive tooth roots and may lead to required oral therapies.
If left untreated, constant grinding and clenching can produce TMJ (temporomandibular joint) soreness, limiting the movement of the joints, creating joint sounds similar to clicking and popping, especially while eating or when the mouth is opened wide, and may cause tooth erosion on the surface of the bones around the joints leading to muscle spasms and osteoarthritis. According to White Rock Dentists, the most accepted technique for treating temporomandibular issues is to build a custom-fitted bite splint that can either be worn solely at nighttime or throughout the daytime as well. Bite splints lend a hand to evenly share the forces and weight of bruxism over all of the sufferers molars stopping a decline of the gum tissues. Additionally, bite splints work to hinder damage to the teeth and joint spaces, and help alleviate annoying and agonizing symptoms such as head aches, muscle spasms, tooth pain, and joint noises.