London Tooth Wear Centre

Raising patient awareness of bruxism and attrition at this time of year presents a positive frame in which to let patients know the effect a stressful lifestyle can have on their teeth and offer simple solutions to the problem.

It has been reported that nearly 70% of bruxism occurs as a result of stress or anxiety. It is well documented that job-related stress is the most significant factor associated with bruxism (www.bruxism.org.uk).

Those who do suffer from such grinding and/or clenching activity may complain of tooth sensitivity, problems chewing, headaches and neck ache and, upon clinical examination of such a patient, the dentist may well see problems such as:

• Sharp or chipped anterior teeth

• Occlusal surfaces wearing flat and taking on a shiny, pitted appearance

• Altered occlusion as vertical height changes

• Fractured teeth and/or restorations

• Abfraction lesions developing cervically

• V-shaped notches or shallower cupping present cervically

• Looseness of teeth

The good news to share with patients is that making a few simple lifestyle changes can be of significant benefit, including: