Teeth grinding, known as bruxism, does not necessarily stop when a person wears dentures. Denture bruxism involves clenching or grinding the artificial teeth, often unconsciously during the day or while sleeping. This habit places excessive forces on the removable dental appliances and the underlying oral tissues. Addressing this issue is important for preserving the lifespan of the dentures and maintaining oral health, requiring professional adjustments and personal habit changes.
Identifying the Underlying Reasons for Denture Grinding
The reasons behind grinding dentures are often a mix of mechanical failures and behavioral factors. A common mechanical trigger is a poor denture fit or misalignment of the bite, known as occlusal disharmony. When the upper and lower denture teeth do not meet correctly, the jaw muscles may contract harder to find a stable biting position, leading to excessive pressure and grinding.
Over time, the denture materials can contribute to the problem as the prosthetic surface wears down or becomes damaged. This degradation disrupts the balance of the bite, prompting the jaw to seek a smoother surface through unconscious grinding. However, the issue is not always purely mechanical, as bruxism is frequently linked to underlying stress and anxiety. High emotional tension can manifest as clenching or grinding, a habit that often persists or begins after a patient starts wearing dentures.
For nocturnal grinding, there is a recognized connection between bruxism and sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea. The rhythmic jaw movements associated with nighttime grinding can be part of a brief arousal from sleep, linking it to central nervous system activity. Even when dentures are removed at night, the jaw muscles may still contract, placing excessive pressure directly on the gum ridges and accelerating bone loss.
Immediate Behavioral and Lifestyle Adjustments
While professional dental care is necessary for a permanent solution, individuals can make immediate adjustments to reduce the frequency of grinding. Practicing conscious awareness during the day is a first step. This involves recognizing when the jaw is clenching or the teeth are touching and then intentionally relaxing the muscles. Breaking this habit during waking hours can sometimes reduce the severity of nighttime grinding.
Since emotional factors significantly influence bruxism, incorporating stress reduction techniques into the daily routine may help. Simple practices like meditation, deep breathing exercises, or massage can lower overall anxiety, which may reduce the intensity of jaw clenching. Applying a warm compress to the jaw muscles before sleep can also promote relaxation of the temporomandibular joint and associated musculature.
Certain dietary and substance habits can act as stimulants that exacerbate the grinding reflex. Limiting the intake of caffeine and alcohol, particularly before bedtime, is a practical adjustment that may calm the nervous system and decrease nocturnal bruxism. Avoiding chewing gum or other substances that encourage prolonged jaw muscle activity is also helpful in allowing the jaw muscles to rest.
Dental Treatments and Appliance Solutions
Professional dental intervention is often required to correct the source of the grinding, especially if the issue is mechanical. One common procedure is an occlusal adjustment, where the dentist carefully files or reshapes the biting surfaces of the dentures. This ensures the upper and lower teeth meet simultaneously and evenly, eliminating high spots that can trigger grinding in search of a better fit.
If the fit of the denture against the gums has deteriorated, a dentist may perform a relining or rebasing procedure. Relining involves adding new acrylic material to the internal surface of the denture base to improve stability and contact with the gum tissue. Rebasing is a more extensive process that replaces the entire denture base while keeping the existing artificial teeth, providing a significant fit improvement.
For patients who grind primarily at night, a custom protective appliance, such as an occlusal splint or night guard, is frequently prescribed. These specialized devices are typically made of rigid acrylic and cover the entire biting surface of one arch, preventing direct contact and wear between the dentures. The splint is fabricated to create a balanced bite, which helps relax the jaw muscles and reduce the forces exerted during grinding episodes.
In cases where the dentures are severely damaged, excessively worn, or the underlying bone structure has changed significantly, complete replacement may be the only solution. Dentures have a lifespan, and if repeated adjustments cannot restore a stable, functional bite, a new set is necessary to ensure proper alignment and prevent further jaw problems.
Preventing Long-Term Damage to Dentures and Gums
Ignoring the habit of grinding places considerable stress on the dental appliances. The excessive friction can cause the acrylic teeth to wear down prematurely, leading to a loss of vertical dimension, or result in cracks and fractures in the denture base. This accelerated wear means the dentures will need to be replaced much sooner than their typical lifespan.
The forces of bruxism also take a toll on the soft tissues and bone structure beneath the prosthetics. Continuous, uneven pressure can cause sore spots, chronic gum irritation, and inflammation of the oral mucosa. A particularly serious consequence is the acceleration of alveolar bone resorption, where the jawbone supporting the dentures shrinks more rapidly, causing them to become loose and ill-fitting over time.
Furthermore, denture grinding can aggravate or initiate symptoms of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. The constant muscle strain and joint compression can lead to facial pain, headaches, and tenderness in the jaw muscles. Addressing the grinding behavior is a preventative measure that preserves not only the prosthetic but also the overall health and comfort of the oral system.