The common treatment for bruxism has become available in Turkey, where many people suffer from grinding their teeth either while they are awake or during sleep, which causes them many pains and problems,
The term bruxism refers to a condition in which a person grinds or presses their teeth in other than normal physiological states such as chewing, usually during sleep and can also occur during waking hours, often not consciously aware that they are doing so.
Teeth grinding involves making a chewing-like motion in which a person applies their teeth to their teeth and contract the muscles as the teeth rub back and forth.
We'll look at the signs, diagnosis, and treatment of bruxism and explain the differences between bruxism during sleep and when awake.
gnashing of teeth during sleep
It is considered a type of sleep disturbance. Symptoms of nocturnal gnashing of teeth that people may notice upon awakening include:
- facial pain
- stiff andjaw pain
- Clicking, popping or clicking sounds when moving the jaw
- mild headache
- sensitive teeth or broken
- fillings broken or loose
- eroded teeth
People can also experience pain andringing in the ear Because the joint that allows the jaw to open and close, called the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), is very close to the ear, it may be hurt and the pain radiates, meaning the person feels pain in a place other than its source.
Although people who experience bruxism at night may not feel that they are pressing or grinding their teeth, people who sleep near them may be able to hear the sound of grinding.
Teeth grinding while waking up
The habit of gnashing of teeth while awake is different from gnashing of teeth nocturnal As it occurs without awareness and is not a sleep disorder, in the event of awake gnashing of teeth, the person presses his teeth or tightens the jaw muscles without grinding and moving his jaw often.
When Teeth grinding while awake, you may notice many problems, including:
- Soreness around the jaw
- mild headache
- stiffness
In cases where there is no grinding, the condition may not erode the teeth.
When awake, gnashing occurs involuntarily. As with nocturnal gnashing, people tend to be more prone to it when they are focused or feeling stressed.
What are the causes of teeth grinding?
It does not always have one specific cause because it is associated with a number of factors. These factors vary according to the type of bruxism.
primary teeth grinding
Initial bruxism occurs on its own and is not caused by another condition. Some of the known factors that contribute to its occurrence include:
tooth growth
Squeaks are common, experienced by 40% of young children By the time their teeth erupt, it usually goes away on its own without causing permanent damage to the child because the teeth and jaw grow rapidly during childhood.
Ill Occlusion and misalignment of the teeth
stridor may occur in some people either because of Misalignment of a person's bite Or tooth loss, mouth irritation may also contribute to grinding or mowing.
stress
One of the most important causes of bruxism in adults, whether during sleep or awakening, was found Research There is a significant association between tension and bruxism, but more research is necessary to understand the relationship.
Smoking, alcohol and caffeine
have found Research That substance use was also associated with stridor, people who they smoke Or regular drinkers were nearly twice as likely to have this problem while those who drank more than 8 cups of coffee and caffeinated beverages per day were 1.5 times more likely.
Secondary bruxism
Secondary bruxism occurs in some as a result of pathological health problems or another medical condition, such as:
psychological states
Anxiety and depression are linked to bruxism. This association may be due in part to stress, which can contribute to these conditions.
Neurological conditions
It can cause a group of neurological conditions such as Huntington's disease andParkinson's disease Movement during sleep that may lead to stridor.
Drugs
Teeth grinding can be due to the side effects of some medications, such as antidepressants and antipsychotics.
sleep apnea
It is a condition that temporarily stops breathing during sleep, which can reduce the quality of sleep and cause frequent awakenings, and this may be a reason for the risk of developing bruxism through a sleep disorder.
Long-term effects of bruxism on teeth
Long-term bruxism may cause:
- Tooth sensitivity due to port erosion
- gingivitis or bleeding
- teeth loosening
- Damage restorations such as crowns orfillings
- dental fractures
- temporomandibular joint syndromeWhich causes pain, tension, and difficulty chewing
- Flat or short teeth
Teeth grinding treatment
Various treatments and strategies may help treat bruxism and include:
Mouthguard or mouth splint
It is recommended to wear Mouth splint or mouth guard During the night in bruxism patients because of the effectiveness of the splint in protecting the teeth from damage, its use can help relieve jaw pressure in their jaws, providing a physical barrier between the teeth and reducing the noise of grinding teeth.
Mouthguards used to treat bruxism usually consist of rubber or flexible plastic. A dentist can make one for an individual's teeth, or anyone can purchase a ready-made version. Learn about the types of mouthguards in detail by clicking Here.
Dental grinding treatment
Taking medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may help reduce the pain and swelling associated with bruxism.
In some cases, a medical professional may prescribe a short-term muscle relaxant to prevent the cycle of bruxism. This technique gives the jaw muscles a chance to rest, which may reduce symptoms.
If the stridor is caused by some medication as a side effect, ask your doctor to prescribe an alternative. Avoid stopping the medication or changing the dose without consulting your doctor first.
Dental grinding with biofeedback
Biofeedback is a treatment that helps a person become aware of involuntary bodily functions such as breathing or heart rate and teaches them to control them.
have found Review A specific biofeedback tool known as emergency electrical stimulation improves symptoms after several days of use.
Dental grinding with Botox
In severe cases, injections of botulinum toxin or Botox To paralyze the muscles responsible for teeth grinding during sleep to stop it, regular injections should be done to maintain its effects.
Treating cases that cause bruxism
If a person suffering from bruxism also suffers from illness, stress, anxiety or depression, treating these conditions may help in treating his bruxism.
Usually includes Treating mental health conditions This is a combination of psychotherapy and medication to reduce symptoms but since some SSRIs can cause bruxism as a side effect a person may want to start treatment first.
If the individual suffers from other conditions such as sleep apnea, talking to a doctor about this may allow him to obtain a diagnosis and treatment.