Table of Contents
Bruxism
Bruxism is a condition of grinding or clenching of teeth. Bruxism is a very common condition affecting more than 40 million individuals in America. It is common in both children and in adults.
Signs & Symptoms of Bruxism
The common signs and symptoms of bruxism are:
- Jaw muscles may contract, the contraction is rhythmic
- A clear sound irritating person nearby you especially at night, this sound is produced due to grinding
- Tightening of jaw muscles associated with pain
- Clicking or popping of your temporomandibular joint
- Pain in the face which is usually long lasting
- Injured gums due to broken dental fillings or damaged teeth
- Alarming headache which can be triggered at night
- Swelling of lower jaw which is caused by clenching, this swelling is occasional and may affect you for days
Causes of Bruxism
Some people says that bruxism is a habit, but some others have identified the possible causes of bruxism which are as follows:
- Anxiety, anger, stress and frustration without any reason
- A state of malocclusion happens normally when jaw and teeth don’t line up correctly and have lost symmetry
- It may be caused due to some kind of disease or nerves damage, or due to rupturing of muscle in the face
- Although it is very rare cause of bruxism, but it may be caused due to some side effects of specific medicine or treatment associate with depression. The medicines include Zoloft, Prozac and Paxil
- A complication caused due to Parkinson’s disease or Huntington
Diagnosis of Bruxism
It typically happens during night, while you are sleeping, so most of the individuals are unable to identify the condition. It affects mostly oral health, which includes the tooth wearing and a state of development of TMJ disorder. In case, if you are feeling any condition which can be associated with bruxism call on your dentist immediately. People who are nearby you can help you to diagnose the condition by noticing you during sleep.
Prevention of Bruxism
The therapy and relaxation techniques facilitate you if your bruxism is caused due to any kind of stress. Cutting down of stimulants such as caffeine and tobacco is very healthy against bruxism.
Treatment of Bruxism
The best treatment is the use of professionally made guards, which functions in preventing your teeth from scraping during night. The dentist must restore the damaged teeth and jaws by filling or crowns, which helps in maintaining proper shape of teeth and assist in teeth sizing.
If you have problems during day time, biofeedback may assist you, which is accomplished with electronic instruments that estimates muscle activity. Additionally these people are taught different methods to reduce muscle activity in order to overcome the biting force. The hypnosis study is all about bruxism in which we study different factors which are controlling biting during night.
Bruxism, a pain in your mouth?
Directly speak to your doctor if you are identified for bruxism. Bruxism may erode enamel, which makes your teeth vulnerable and teeth become sensitive. Try different products which help to reduce sensitivity.
References
http://www.colgate.com/en/us/oc/oral-health/conditions/bruxism
http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/teeth-grinding-bruxism
