Itis my own observation that nowadays about 85% of all adults clench and grind theirteeth in their sleep.One may not thinkabout the deleterious effects of this phenomenon until he realizes what theconsequences are on the masticatory apparatus (teeth, muscles and jaw joint).
Normalchewing places about 68 lbs/sq inch of pressure on the back teeth. If youintentionally clench your teeth you may increase that force to about 150 lbs/sqinch.
However,an individual who clenches and grinds their teeth subconsciously at night canexert pressures of upwards of 1200 lbs/sq inch momentarily. That is equal to anindustrial grinding machine!This suddenspike in the amount of pressure can fracture teeth and damage the jaw joint(TMJ) over time.The continuous workingof the muscles of the jaw and face results in their hypertrophy (increase insize as result of exercise).
Anotherless significant but noticeable side effect of clenching and grinding islocalized growth of bone on the sides of the jaw and middle of the palate.These bone growth which are referred to asTori (plural for Torus) are benign in nature, but they can grow to aconsiderable size, interfere with eating and irritate the overlying gums.
Finallylet us mention that one of the causes of having sensitive teeth is para functionalclenching and grinding.Here is themechanism:When you grind your teethwhile they are locked into each other, you start bending and flexing them rightat the gum line (point of their exit from anchoring bone).Since our teeth are not very flexible theystart breaking down and losing small bits of tooth substance (enamel &dentin) from their necks. This erosionand loss of protective enamel can render teeth sensitive to cold andbrushing.If erosion continues untreatedfor a long time, it can also impinge on the pulp chamber (nerve) in the toothand cause its demise, requiring root canal therapy.
Themost common treatment offered by dental professionals for night time clenchingand grinding of teeth is an appliance called Night Guard.Night Guard is a horseshoe shaped piece ifacrylic that covers the surface of the teeth and separates them duringgrinding.Therefore it prevents teethfrom rubbing against each other.It alsoprotects the jaw joint (TMJ) by repositioning it and also by stretching themuscles therefore decreasing the amount of force that they can generate.
