SARASOTA, Fla., Aug. 31, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A Sarasota dentist wishes to alert area residents of the potential dangers of teeth grinding and clenching, as well as the various means of addressing and resolving this behavior. Dr. Peter Rubenstein of Prestige Dental states that bruxism, or habitual grinding and clenching, can cause significant damage to teeth, chronic jaw pain, and other issues.
"We see many patients who exhibit teeth clenching and grinding, and many of them complain about a variety of distressing symptoms. Fortunately, we can prescribe mouth guards and other treatment methods to help protect their teeth and maintain a more normal bite alignment," said Dr. Rubenstein.
The dentist describes bruxism as a habit that sufferers indulge in unconsciously, not only during sleep but also while awake. He cites chronic stress and tension, bite misalignments, hyperactivity, anxiety, acid reflux, compensation for ear or teething pain, and complications from certain neurological disorders as potential causes. Dr. Rubenstein adds that bruxism may also occur as a reaction to such common anti-depressants as Zoloft, Paxil, and Prozac. "The fact that so many internal and external triggers can cause bruxism makes it a common problem among patients," noted the practitioner.
Dr. Rubenstein warns that once bruxism sets in, a variety of symptoms and complications can follow. According to the dentist, such symptoms may include earache-like pain and swelling in the lower jaw, facial pain, chronically fatigued jaw muscles, tooth sensitivity, and a dull headache (especially on waking in the morning). He adds that teeth clenching and grinding can be a major factor in another chronic condition called temporomandibular joint disorder, better known as TMJ or TMD. "Bruxism can also cause some significant complications such as erosion of the tooth enamel, cracks or breaks in the tooth itself, and damage to fillings and other dental restorations. It can also contribute to sleep disorders such as apnea or chronic snoring," said Dr. Rubenstein.
The dentist states that treatment for bruxism typically includes a prescription mouth guard that reduces stress on the teeth while also providing temporary correction to bite misalignments. "We perform a thorough evaluation, including X-rays, to determine how much damage the teeth have sustained and what level of misalignment may exist. From there, custom-fitted night splints or mouth guards are created that the patient wears during sleep," he explained.
Dr. Rubenstein urges individuals with unexplained jaw or facial pain, worn or damaged tooth surfaces, damage to their dental restorations, or morning headaches to contact Prestige Dental to find out whether bruxism lies at the root of the problem. "The sooner this condition is treated, the less damage it can do and the sooner you can feel better," he added.
In addition dental guards for teeth clenching and grinding, Prestige Dental provides preventative wellness exams, teeth cleaning, cosmetic dentistry, Invisalign braces, and dental implants for Sarasota patients.