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What is the point of this website?

During the thirty years I have practiced as a restorative dentist, I have been fascinated by the habit of some individuals to grind and clench their teeth. This phenomenon is peculiar for several reasons:

• The flattened teeth of our ancestors indicate that compression and grinding of teeth has existed for centuries. Even today, it is of epidemic proportions because in most cases it is not diagnosed, not well understood, and consequently not treated properly.
   
• Thirty percent of the affected patients are not aware that they are damaging themselves, as this habit tends to be subconscious.
   
• Compression and grinding of one's teeth simultaneously applies undue pressure to the bone supporting the teeth and to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), where the mandible (lower jaw) hinges with the skull. In my opinion, this is responsible for the majority of problems related to this joint.
   
• The physical signs of compression are not recognized by the majority of the dental profession. A patient may be chronically damaging him or herself by compressing and grinding, but may nonetheless be quite comfortable. If this is the case, the signs of damage should be recognized when the patient has his or her teeth cleaned. The problem is that sixty-five percent of the dental profession does not recognize these signs and does not understand the implications.

What is Dental Compression Syndrome?