Bruxism can be serious if not treated and monitored effectively

Tariq Drabu is a leading dentist and specialist oral surgeon based in Manchester. He is the owner of the Langley Dental Practice where they cater to NHS and private patients providing a high quality service that patients can rely on and trust. Tariq Drabu advised that he sees hundreds of patients each year who are completely unaware that they have bruxism and are damaging their teeth in the process.

Bruxism

Bruxism is tooth grinding and is very common in people of all ages from young children to seniors. Often this tooth grinding is done when the person is under stress. The problem is, according to Tariq Drabu, unless the person lives with someone or shares a room with someone, they will never know they have this condition as they grind while sleeping.

Molars

Tariq Drabu advised the most common teeth to be affected by bruxism is the molars. Grinding takes place rubbing the top and bottom molars against each other and in turn, wearing them down. Over time the teeth wears down, the enamel or worn away and the teeth can become sensitive.

In addition to this, with this condition, patients can experience jaw and neck pain. Often the only sign patients realise that they may suffer from this condition is a tight jaw on waking.

Medications

Tariq Drabu did mention that in some instances paints will need to take medications to stop them from grinding. This is decided by the dental practitioner and the patient. The medication is not long term and can be highly effective in reducing the risk of grinding and thereby improving the condition of the teeth in the long run.

Mouth Guards

At Langley Dental Practice they make a mould of their patients mouth. The mould is worn at night, according to Tariq Drabu. So while it doesn't stop the grinding, it does eliminate the damage caused as a result of bruxism.

Special Needs

Tariq Drabu did mention that recent studies have shown that certain children with special needs are at higher risk of bruxim and he recommends that all children attend their routine dental appointments so the dentist can identify if tooth grinding is taking place and put a treatment plan in place to help the patient preserve their teeth in the long run.