Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)
Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)
What is it ?
Bruxism is clinching or grinding your teeth. Some people grind their teeth only during their sleep"sleep related bruxism" or" nocturnal bruxism". Bruxism is often related with anxiety and stress.
Causes of bruxism :
Stress.
Natural response due to misalignment of teeth.
After effect of certain medicines used for treating depression.
Some neuron-muscular disease.
Symptoms :
Check if you have been experienced in any of the symptoms.
Tightening of jaw muscles.
Grinding sound at night while sleeping.
Dull morning headache.
Tightening or pain of jaw muscles during the morning.
Long lasting pain in the face.
Pain of jaw joints.
Damaged teeth, broken dental fillings and injured gums.
Diagnosis :
Dentist can determine if you are a bruxer and will be in the best position to treat it.
The dentist will ask about your sleep habits, unusual grinding sounds while sleeping.
The dentist will examine your mouth and jaw regions.
He/she will check for the tenderness of your jaw muscles and jaw joint.
He / she will check for dental abnormalities such as broken teeth, missing teeth, poor teeth alignment, broken dental fillings, and injured gums.
In addition he/ she will check your bite and many also suggest for series of x-rays of mouth.
Expected Duration :
Children may brux between the ages 3 to 10. More of half of them will stop it of their own by the age of 13. In teenager and adults, how long the bruxism last depends on the cause. Prevention :
Cutting down on certain stimulants like caffeine and tobacco may help.
In bruxism related to stress, the professional counseling may help.
Usual method is to wear the night bite plate (a dental appliance worn at night). This helps in relieving the pressure on facial muscle and jaw joint.
Hot compresses on facial muscles may help to relieve some of the muscle pain and tightness that bruxism cause.
Treatment :
Stress related bruxism :
A professional counseling, psychotherapy, bio-feedback exercises may help you to relax. You may also receive a prescription of muscle relaxant to temporarily ease the spasm of the jaw.
Dental Problem related bruxism :
The dentist will do the teeth alignment and may ask to you wear a bite splint or mouth guard that specifically fits your mouth and teeth. This will help in preventing further damage and help in realigning of teeth and jaw muscles.
Medicines :
If the bruxism is caused due to the after effect of some medicines such as anti depressant , then your doctor should advice you to change the medicine and might also give your some other medicine to counteract the bruxism.
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