Visiting the dental clinic is Richard, 27, who has painful, aching teeth. Dr James’ examination reveals that Richard’s teeth are worn down as a result of Bruxism, an involuntary grinding of the teeth. Richard is sent to a specialist to clear the decay in his gums and teeth before Dr James can restore his smile with veneers and crowns. Teeth grinding (otherwise known as bruxism) is caused by the pressing, clenching or physical grinding of teeth against each other, often at night. It is normal for people to grind their teeth a little when their teeth are growing, as it is the body’s way of developing a perfect bite. However, tooth grinding can also be brought on by stress and psychological problems, but luckily there are a number of effective treatments. These can include muscle relaxants to loosen the muscles in the jaw, as well as corrections to the bite achieved by crowns or onlays. A splint can also be created to prevent damage to the teeth and to eliminate headaches and pain associated with the condition. Source
