What Happens When You Grind Your Teeth

Teeth grinding at night or during the day is an unhealthy habit that can cause major problems with your teeth, jaw and overall health. Millions of people worldwide suffer from bruxism or grinding of teeth

It’s tough enough fighting against the day-to-day grind of life, but if you happen to have bruxism – that can be an extra battle. Here, we will discuss the effects of bruxism, so you know what to watch for!

What Is Bruxism

At some point in their life, the majority of people grind and clench their teeth. Bruxism, the medical word for “tooth grinding,” describes this behaviour. It’s most common at night, although it can also happen during the day. Often, the person is unaware that they are engaging in the activity. A little bit of teeth-grinding isn’t likely to cause any harm. On the other hand, Bruxism can lead to tooth decay and other oral health issues if it is done regularly.

There is currently no specific answer to the cause of bruxism, but experts believe it is a combination of physical, psychological and hereditary elements that lead to the condition. Bruxism can be classified into two categories:

• Awake bruxism happens when you grind your teeth unconsciously during the day. When people are nervous, upset, or trying to concentrate, they tend to clench their teeth.
• Insomnia and sleep apnea can cause people to clench their teeth at night, leading to sleep bruxism. It is possible to develop bruxism as a result of hallucinations or unpleasant dreams.

Consequences or Problems With Teeth Grinding

Bruxism has a wide range of effects on individuals. Short-term impacts of bruxism are common, but more serious long-term problems can become permanent for those who suffer from the condition.

Eventually, untreated symptoms in the short term can lead to more severe ones. As soon as you notice any symptoms, it is important to see a dentist for treatment right away. Not only to treat your bruxism but also to help prevent tooth loss and decay.

In the long run, bruxism can be destructive to your teeth and gums. Some of the long-term effects of bruxism are:

• Damaged Teeth
  Your dentist can tell whether you grind your teeth during a routine dental visit. Patients who have had bruxism for a long period have flattened teeth with an even, square appearance. Teeth wear down and get shorter. The longer bruxism is left untreated, the more visible it becomes.
  Furthermore, grinding your teeth can harm dental restorations such as crowns or fillings, causing them to fail and require replacement.
  
• Temporomandibular Disorders
  The temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects your lower jaw to your skull, allows your jaw to move. Bruxism puts strain on the TMJ, which can lead to dysfunction and chronic pain.
  TMJ symptoms include headaches, muscle tension in the face or neck, pain when eating or speaking, and difficulty opening your mouth completely.
  
• Tooth Sensitivity
  Grinding your teeth wears down and prematurely ages teeth, so the protective coating of enamel can also be worn away. There is no way to repair enamel after it has been lost. The softer tissue gets exposed, allowing more harmful germs to enter your tooth and cause cavities.
  Hot and cold temperatures can access the root of your tooth without the protective covering of enamel, making some foods and drinks unpleasant at best and painful at worst.
  
• Gum Damage
  Grinding your teeth puts pressure on your gums and the connective tissue that holds your teeth in place. When the connective tissue that supports teeth is destroyed, it might loosen your teeth. Grinding your teeth can cause gum tissue to become inflamed, red, or irritated.

How is Bruxism Diagnosed?

Dentists can recognize if a patient grinds or clenches their teeth in one of two ways:

The first is to ask whether their gnashing of teeth awakens their spouse or partner. This unsettling sound of enamel grinding against enamel is startling and alarming. Patients frequently report that their spouse or companion frequently wakes them up, intending to stop the grinding.

The second way a dentist may tell if a patient grinds or clenches their teeth in their sleep is to ask if their face and chewing muscles are tired or sore when they wake up.

The most evidence of bruxism is when a patient arrives at the dentist with a cracked or chipped tooth. If we dig deeper into the situation, we may discover symptoms such as:

• Headaches
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ear)
• Muscle facial pain
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing
• Sleeping problems

Bruxism is difficult for patients to self-diagnose, mostly because they are often unaware that they are grinding. As a result, dentists look for indicators of tooth damage and ask the appropriate questions to care for the patient effectively.

Treatment of Bruxism

In many cases, treatment is really not necessary. Many children outgrow bruxism without treatment, and many adults do not grind or clench their teeth in a way that necessitates therapy. However, if the problem is serious, various dental treatments may prevent further tooth damage and relieve jaw pain or discomfort.
Consult your dentist to determine which choice is best for you.

Dental approaches

If you or your child suffers from bruxism, your doctor may advise you on protecting or improving your teeth. Although these procedures may help avoid or correct tooth wear, they may not be enough to stop bruxism:

• Mouthguards and splints. These are designed to keep teeth apart to prevent the damage caused by clenching and grinding. They can be made of hard acrylic or soft materials and worn on either your upper or lower teeth.
• Dental correction. In severe cases, when tooth wear has caused sensitivity or the inability to chew properly, your dentist may need to modify your teeth’s chewing surfaces or use crowns to fix the damage.

Other approaches

One or more of the following approaches may help relieve bruxism:

• Stress or anxiety management. If you grind your teeth due to stress, you may avoid the problem by adopting relaxation techniques such as meditation. If the bruxism is caused by anxiety, seeking help from a competent therapist or counsellor may be beneficial.
• Behaviour change. You may be able to adjust your behaviour if you realize you have bruxism by practising proper mouth and jaw position. Ask your dentist to demonstrate the ideal position for your mouth and jaw.
• Biofeedback. If you’re having trouble changing chewing behaviours, you can benefit from biofeedback, a technique that teaches you to control muscle activity in your jaw using monitoring procedures and equipment.

Final Thoughts

If you wake up with headaches and/or an aching jaw, you may be grinding your teeth while sleeping. A simple dental checkup can identify whether you’re prematurely aging your teeth due to bruxism. There is a treatment for this unhealthy dental problem; therefore, obtaining care as soon as possible can significantly impact the condition of your teeth.

If you or someone you know suffers from bruxism, we recommend making an appointment at Peel Dental Studio. Diagnosis and treatment of bruxism require an assessment and treatment plan from a trustworthy dental specialist. Regular preventative care is your best choice for reducing the risk of bruxism and other dental health issues.

The relief from teeth grinding and clenching is finally here. Peel Dental Studio can help you get your life back on track with successful bruxism dental treatments that are safe, effective -and affordable! To learn more about what we have available, we would be delighted to review your choices and suggest the best action for you. Please call 9535-4900 today!

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Bruxism Causes: Reasons Why You Grind Your Teeth

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Temporary Fillings

Temporary fillings are a non-permanent solution to maintain your oral health when you’re short on time. However, they don’t provide the same benefits as permanent fillings in the long run. 

Many factors can lead to the need for a temporary filling. You might have lost a filling or broken it, or perhaps the natural tooth has been damaged and needs to be repaired, but you’re short on time for a permanent solution. Or your dentist might want to observe the tooth before putting a permanent filling to the cacity. Whatever your reason is for needing a temporary filling, there’s no doubt that you’ll want to get the best results possible from this dental procedure.

Read on if you want an overview of what temporary fillings are and how they work.

What are Temporary Fillings?

A filling is simply a short-term repair for a damaged tooth. Since the temporary tooth filling is only designed to last for a short time, you will need to schedule a follow-up appointment with your dentist to change it to a permanent one.

Temporary dental fillings are typically made from softer materials that can easily be removed. Some dental filling materials harden when mixed with saliva. The following are the materials used for temporary fillings:

• Zinc oxide eugenol
• Zinc phosphate cement
• Glass ionomer cement
• Cavit
• Intermediate restorative materials

When Do You Need Temporary Fillings?

Dentists often use temporary fillings for specific time-constrained situations. It may take less time to place a temporary filling than a permanent filling. If your dentist cannot place a permanent filling during your visit, you can receive a temporary filling as an emergency treatment and come back for the final permanent filling.

A dentist may use a temporary filling for several reasons:

Temporary caps for dental crowns

If a deep cavity necessitates the installation of a dental crown, your dentist may put in a temporary cap. It protects the affected teeth from penetration by bacteria until the permanent crown is ready to be fitted.

Temporary seal after a root canal

A severely decayed tooth might need a root canal to eliminate the infection from the tooth’s pulp and hopefully preserve it. A temporary filling after a root can seal off food particles and bacteria that would otherwise get stuck in its hole, thus preventing further problems with your adult teeth.

The dentist replaces the temporary filling with a permanent one, such as a ceramic filling or gold filling, after the root canal has healed.

Temporary medicated filling to settle sensitive nerves.

Temporary medicated fillings are often used in cases where a patient’s tooth is extremely sensitive. It will calm the nerves and heal the tooth before installing something permanent, like porcelain or metal fillings.

When you return to your dentist, they will examine the tooth again to make sure that any discomfort has receded and that you do not need any further dental treatment, such as a root canal treatment.

How Long Do Temporary Fillings Last?

 Over time, temporary and semi-permanent fillings can crack and wear out. Since the temporary filling material is softer and pliable, it is more prone to cracking and falling out if not replaced in time.

On average, temporary fillings last from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the patient and the material used. Consult your dentist about the duration of your temporary filling and when to come back to get the permanent filling.

How To Care For Temporary Fillings

Temporary fillings aren’t as long-lasting as permanent treatment, so you’ll need to be mindful of the filling and take proper care of it until you see your dentist.

Chewing: It’s essential to protect your filling after a dental appointment. Your dentist may advise you not to eat anything on that side of your mouth for a couple of hours, as it takes time for temporary fillings to dry and set in properly.

Since it doesn’t have adequate strength, avoid eating on that side, if possible, until you get a permanent filling. Chewing with a temporary filling, especially hard foods like candy, nuts, and ice, can cause it to break or fall out.

Oral Care: Temporary treatments need special care when it comes to dental hygiene. Floss and brush carefully to prevent damaging the filling. The floss should be pulled gently on the side of your affected teeth instead of yanking on it so it won’t pull out the temporary filling.

Brush your teeth for at least two minutes, making sure to clean out all dental germs, plaque, and debris from your mouth using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Brush gradually and gently, since brushing too hard may harm or weaken your filling, and it might come off sooner than expected.

Tongue movements: It’s essential to avoid placing your tongue in the filling as much as possible. It’s easy for the filling to loosen if you continually touch it with your tongue.

Eating With Temporary Fillings

In general, avoid eating crunchy and hard foods on that side of your mouth. It’s also a good idea to follow a soft diet to protect the temporary filling.

Biting down firmly on hard and chewy foods may cause the temporary filling to break or even come off. When the filling falls out and is not treated immediately, issues will eventually arise, and eating and drinking will become difficult on that side.

Final Thoughts

People who are hesitant about getting permanent fillings may want to consider temporary fillings. Getting a temporary filling while you choose which type of permanent treatment is right for you is an affordable, reasonable and effective way to protect the teeth against further damage.

If you are looking for a dental professional with experience in all areas of general dentistry, including advanced cosmetic treatments, restorative services, and more, contact Peel Dental Studio. We are committed to providing you with the highest quality dental care while making your time at our office as comfortable as possible. Contact us today by calling 08 9535 4900 or book a dental visit online through our website.

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Direct Fillings

In dentistry, fillings are the most common solution for tooth decay. This conventional treatment has many benefits, such as helping with tooth sensitivity, stopping infections spreading to the jaw bone, and preventing tooth loss.

There are many different choices to be made, but your dentist should take these into consideration before making the final choice of material for your needs. If you want to know which type of filling is right for you, please continue reading.

What Are Direct Fillings?

Fillings performed directly in your mouth are known as “direct fillings” or “direct tooth restoration.” Fillings are used to “fill in” and restore the damaged or missing part of a tooth’s structure caused by trauma or dental decay. Unless there is significant decay and the depth and severity of deterioration need to be evaluated before inserting the filling, these procedures are generally completed in a single visit.

There are a variety of direct materials from which dental fillings may be made, and the type of filling you have has a significant influence on how long it will last. Fillings are not meant to last a lifetime. Therefore, regular dental checkups may help you determine when they have to be replaced.

When it comes to choosing a filler material, many options need consideration. The suitable material for your needs should also be considered if symptoms of tooth decay suggest additional work is necessary to avoid further complications and additional restorative treatment costs in the future.

Modern dentistry has made it possible for your teeth to be filled with various types of filling materials. The most common are silver amalgam (mercury mixed in with other metals), composite resins (white fillings), glass ionomers, and resin ionomers.

How Is Direct Filling Done?

• The medical professional will first numb the surrounding area around the tooth so it can be filled with a local anesthetic.
• A drill, air abrasion instrument, or laser will be used to clean out the cavity. Choosing the right tools to use depends on a dentist’s comfort level, training, and the location and severity of decay on a tooth.
• Finally, your dentist will examine or probe the area to ensure that all decay has been removed. The dentist will clean the cavity of germs and debris after the decay has been removed to prepare it for the filling. If the decay is near the root, your dentist may first insert a glass ionomer, composite resin, or other material as a liner for deep fillings to protect the nerve. After the restorative material is placed, the dentist will complete and polish it.

When it comes to tooth-coloured fillings, there is a lot that goes into the process. The tooth-coloured material is applied in layers after your dentist has removed the decay and cleaned the area. A special light is used to cure or harden the layer. Once the layering process is done, the white fillings will be shaped accordingly. The dentist will trim off the excess material and polish the restoration.

Who Can Have Direct Fillings?

Minor fractures and tooth decay that do not affect the pulp are commonly repaired using fillings. Although your dentist may only be able to tell you if you need a tooth filling based on your circumstances, specific indicators and symptoms can warn you of a cavity that might need filling.

Small cavities usually produce no symptoms. They may be detected early on using dental x-rays. The longer it takes to fill a small cavity, the larger it gets. Symptoms like pain and sensitivity are generally present if the condition is not addressed in time.

However, the cavity has developed when symptoms appear, and a filling is insufficient to repair it. As a result, frequent dental checkups are recommended.

Patients who underwent root canal treatment could get a direct or indirect filling. However, in most cases, a direct filling material is used as a temporary filling while waiting for the permanent dental restoration that is being made at the dental laboratory.

Advantages of Direct Filling

Silver fillings:

• Longevity – typically lasts for at least 10 to 15 years, and these materials usually last longer than composite restoration (tooth-coloured) fillings.
• Mechanical strength – able to withstand the forces of chewing and biting
• Cost – less costly than white tooth fillings

Composite fillings (white fillings):

• Cosmetic appearance – The colour of composite fillings can be very similar to that of existing teeth, which is advantageous from an aesthetic standpoint. For this reason, they’re ideal for use on teeth that are visible from the front.
• Dental bonding – The white tooth fillings are firmly bonded to the prepared tooth using a micro-mechanical bond, which provides additional support. The dentist uses a blue light to set the composite resin material on the tooth.
• Versatility – This restorative material can also be used to restore chipped, broken, or worn teeth in addition to being a cavity filling material.
• Tooth-saving preparation – It requires less removal of natural tooth structure to prepare the tooth for the filling compared with amalgam fillings.

Glass Ionomer Filling 

• Aesthetic – The colour of the filling is close to the shade of your teeth.
• Tooth preparation – In most cases, a glass ionomer filling can be fitted without much tooth preparation. Also, dentists choose it as a filling option for children with dental cavities on their primary teeth.
• Contains Fluoride – Glass ionomers release fluoride over time, helping to strengthen and maintain your dental health.
• Adhesion – It firmly adheres to the teeth, preventing any further decay or leakage.

Disadvantages of Direct Fillings

Silver fillings:

• Aesthetically inferior – silver fillings don’t match natural teeth in colour.
• Removal of tooth structure – It is often necessary to remove healthy tooth structures to fit the fillings for amalgam fillings.
• Discolouration – Amalgam fillings may discolour the adjacent teeth structure and cause it to take on a greyish tone.
• Broken teeth – It’s well-known that all teeth expand and contract when exposed to hot or cold liquids. However, some materials are more susceptible than others – this includes tooth fillings like amalgam, which can cause cracks and fractures as they contract and expand.
• Allergic reactions – It is estimated that only 1% of patients are allergic to mercury in dental amalgam fillings.
  The amalgam restoration uses mercury, which releases a vapour that can be breathed in and absorbed by the lungs. High levels of mercury vapour exposure have been linked with negative impacts on the brain and kidneys. The FDA has deemed them safe for people aged six and above, with no connection between amalgam fillings and health issues.

Composite resin fillings:

• Fragile – Composite fillings are delicate and not as long-lasting as amalgam fillings. They are not durable when subjected to chewing forces and when used for large cavities in posterior teeth or molar teeth.
• Longer chair time – Due to the technique of applying composite materials, it can take 20 minutes longer to place than an amalgam filling.
• Multiple clinic visits – If used for inlays or onlays, composite resin restoration may necessitate more than one dental visit to the dentist.
• Chipping – Composite materials tend to chip off the tooth when placed in specific locations.
• Cost – Composite resin fillings are twice as expensive as dental amalgam fillings.

Glass Ionomer Filling

• Fragile – The dental material is weaker than other filling materials and is prone to quick wear and tear.
• Colour – While the colour of the material is close, it is not an exact match to your original tooth colour.
• Longer chair time – Each glass ionomer layer must be bonded separately, which takes some time to complete.

Final Thoughts

Dental fillings, whether temporary or permanent, fillings are the most common type of dental work done. While they may seem like minor procedures, there can be severe complications if you don’t do them correctly. That’s why it is essential to find an experienced dentist who has experience with restorative treatment.

If you need any dental work done and are looking for the best possible experience with less pain, call us today at 08 9535 4900. When you visit Peel Dental Studio, we will work with you to find the proper dental treatment plan for your oral health. We’re looking forward to hearing from you!

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