Bruxism treatment in Estepona | Enzo Yuruvich

Bruxism, a common habit in adults, but also in children, affects approximately 70% of the population. It is characterised by involuntary clenching or grinding of the teeth while sleeping.

This habit can cause complications if not treated in time. In the long term, bruxism can cause pain in the jaw and damage teeth.

Causes of bruxism

Bruxism in adults can have several causes, such as anxiety and stress, dental malocclusion, certain medications, excessive alcohol and caffeine consumption, or problems such as insomnia or sleep apnoea.

Consequences of bruxism

Some of the consequences of bruxism are:

Tooth sensitivity

When teeth are subjected to pressure due to clenching or grinding, the outer layer of the tooth, known as the enamel, can begin to wear away or chip, which can expose the dentine, an innermost layer of the tooth.

As a result, the teeth become more sensitive to heat and cold, making it easier to feel pain or sensitivity.

Temporomandibular joint bruxism (TMJ)

Grinding your teeth at night can cause strain on the muscles and temporomandibular (jaw) joint. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders are a series of conditions that cause pain in the temporomandibular joint and jaw muscles.

As a result, it is common for people with TMJ problems to experience jaw stiffness and pain, which sometimes radiates to the head and ear. In addition, opening the mouth wide can become more difficult and yawning can be painful.

In these cases it is ideal to have a temporomandibular joint specialist or a dentist who is usually also a specialist in bruxism.

Our treatments for bruxism

The first step in addressing the damage caused by tooth grinding is for our dentists to analyse your case and recommend a specific treatment, such as the use of an unloading splint.

Specialists in TMJ Estepona

In our clinic, you can find a specialist in TMJ Estepona to analyse your case and recommend the best treatment. The dental splint, which is typically worn at night, is our most common recommendation for treating bruxism.

Dental splints help reduce the symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorders, reduce muscle pain, prevent tooth wear and fracture, and provide a restorative and relaxing effect, especially in stressful situations.

We do not advise the use of a splint in very young children, as their facial and dental structures are in the process of growth and the use of a splint could interfere with this development.

Bruxism dentist: what we can do for you

A dentist specializing in bruxism and temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ) is a professional trained to diagnose and treat problems related to teeth grinding and TMJ dysfunctions. Our specialists have a thorough understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the jaw and teeth and the factors contributing to bruxism and TMJ disorders.

Treatment from a TMJ specialist

Treatment provided by a specialist bruxism and TMJ dentist at our clinic includes:

• Accurate assessment and diagnosis of the patient’s condition may include clinical examinations, x-rays, and possibly advanced imaging studies such as MRI scans.
• Recommendations for lifestyle changes and stress management techniques to reduce bruxism.
• Customised splints to protect teeth and reduce damage caused by nighttime grinding.
• Occlusal therapy to correct bite problems that may contribute to bruxism.
• Muscle relaxation therapies to reduce tension in the jaw muscles.

Our bruxism and TMJ dentists in Estepona play a crucial role in managing these disorders, helping improve patient’s quality of life by relieving pain, preventing dental damage, and restoring proper jaw function.