Bruxism & clenching

The American Medical Association estimates that two thirds of all migraines are caused by teeth clenching, usually at night when in a deep sleep. There is evidence that clenching plays a role in one third of the other cases.

Tooth clenching (bruxism) is a natural phenomenon which affects all of us, but is usually not of any relevance apart from the wear we all show as we age. A significant number of people however, suffer from a number of signs and symptoms.

In younger people (under 35yrs of age) these can be short episodes of pain or discomfort, but over the age of about 45 they can become chronic and disabling.

A list of known problems attributed to clenching includes:

• Tooth wear (obviously)
• Headaches (especially on awakening)
• Neck pain
• Shoulder pain
• Sinusitis
• Earache
• Jaw pain
• Jaw joint pain
• Upper back pain
• Tooth ache
• Tongue pain
• Cracked teeth

These things can all be alleviated by a visit to us !