Do you wake up with a sore jaw, headaches, or tooth sensitivity? Do you find yourself clenching your teeth during the day? You may be suffering from bruxism, a condition characterized by the grinding or clenching of teeth. At Shuang Dentistry, we have a special focus on dental sleep medicine and the treatment of bruxism in Yishun. Our lead clinician, Dr. Yap, has extensive experience in this field and is dedicated to helping you find relief from the pain and discomfort of bruxism.
Bruxism can occur during the day (awake bruxism) or at night (sleep bruxism). While the exact cause of bruxism is not always clear, it is often linked to stress, anxiety, sleep disorders, an abnormal bite, or missing or crooked teeth. If left untreated, bruxism can lead to a number of dental problems, including:
Worn, flattened, or fractured teeth
Increased tooth sensitivity
Jaw pain or tightness in the jaw muscles
Chronic headaches
Damage to the inside of your cheek
The Link Between Bruxism and Sleep Apnea
Recent research has shown a strong link between sleep bruxism and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts. In many cases, teeth grinding is a subconscious response to a blocked airway during sleep. The grinding motion helps to thrust the jaw forward, reopening the airway and allowing breathing to resume.
At Shuang Dentistry, we take a comprehensive approach to the treatment of bruxism. We will not only address the symptoms of your teeth grinding, but we will also screen you for underlying sleep disorders like OSA. This is crucial, as treating the sleep apnea can often resolve the bruxism as well.
Our Approach to Bruxism Treatment
Our treatment for bruxism is tailored to the individual needs of each patient. We begin with a thorough examination, which may include a digital occlusal analysis to assess the forces of your bite. We will also discuss your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle to determine the underlying cause of your bruxism.
Custom-Made Night Guards
For many patients, a custom-made night guard is an effective way to protect the teeth from the forces of grinding and clenching. Unlike over-the-counter mouthguards, our night guards are made from high-quality materials and are custom-fitted to your teeth for maximum comfort and protection.
Oral Appliance Therapy for Sleep Apnea
If we suspect that your bruxism is related to sleep apnea, we may recommend a custom-made oral appliance. This device is worn during sleep and works by repositioning the lower jaw and tongue to keep the airway open. Oral appliance therapy is a comfortable and effective alternative to CPAP for many patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea.
Other Treatment Options
In addition to night guards and oral appliances, we may also recommend other treatments to help you manage your bruxism, such as:
Stress management techniques: Relaxation exercises, meditation, and counseling can help to reduce the stress and anxiety that can trigger bruxism.
Bite adjustments: In some cases, we may need to reshape the chewing surfaces of your teeth or use orthodontic treatment to correct a misaligned bite.
Botulinum Toxin (Botox) injections: For severe cases of bruxism, Botox injections can be used to relax the jaw muscles and reduce the force of grinding.
Find Relief from Bruxism at Shuang Dentistry
If you are suffering from the pain and discomfort of bruxism, we can help. Schedule a consultation at our Yishun dental clinic to learn more about our comprehensive approach to bruxism and dental sleep medicine. Contact us to learn more about how we can assist you with protect your teeth, improve your sleep, and enhance your overall quality of life.