Dr. Sri Akshitha (BDS)
Published on - 20 Nov 2023
The term "bruxism" describes an uncontrollable and excessive clenching, grinding, or gnashing of the teeth. This condition can manifest either when the person is in sleep or is awake. A significant portion of the population is recognized to experience bruxism.
Why?
Psychological:
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Fear
- Frustration
- Personality disorder
Habits:
- Smoking/Chewing tobacco
- Alcohol
- Increased caffeine intake
Systemic causes :
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Sjogren’s Syndrome
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
- Parkinson’s disease
Pathological :
- Cerebral Palsy
- Dementia
- Parkinson’s disease
- Sleep disorder such as obstructive sleep apnea
- Genetic factors
- Calcium or Magnesium deficiency
- Antidepressants
Orofacial:
- Improper bite
- Joint asymmetry
- Malocclusion
- Occlusal interferences
- Missing teeth
- Facial form
How will I know?
- Audible grinding/clenching
- Jaw pain
- Clicking sounds in jaw
- Soreness of muscles around mouth especially after waking up
- Headache and earache
- Lack of proper sleep
- Increased teeth sensitivity
How does the dentist know?
- Flattened molars
- Chipped off lower front teeth
- Tooth indentations on tongue and inner aspect of cheek
- Teeth are worn, damaged or feel loose
- Teeth sensitive to temperatures
Consequences
- Fractured teeth
- Reduced crown height
- Tooth wear resulting in dentinal exposure
- Dislodgement of restorations
- Gum recession
- Bone loss
- Hypermobility of teeth
- TMJ (temporo-mandibular joint) disturbances
- Eating disorders
Prevention
- Regular brushing and flossing
- Reduce intake of caffeine.
- Avoid tobacco and alcohol.
- Bio-feedback therapy.s
- Try stress-reduction therapies like meditation, hypnotherapy etc.
- Stay fit and healthy with regular exercise.
Treatment
Depending on the amount of tooth wear the treatments range from:
- Bite corrections – Adjusting the bite plane by smoothening the surfaces of teeth.
- Reduce intake of caffeine.
- Mouthguard – It may also aid with tooth sensitivity and stops additional deterioration and wear on the teeth. In addition to providing better jaw alignment, nightguards also serve as a therapeutic tool to lessen joint pain caused by grinding by lowering jaw muscle activity and spasm.
- Restorations
- Root Canal Treatment
- Crowns
So, as we wrap up this journey through the world of bruxism, remember this: it's time for you to sit back and relax to protect your teeth. Bruxism might seem harmless, a mere habit, but its effects on your oral health are significant. By embracing early diagnosis, timely intervention, and adopting preventive measures, you're not just protecting your smile – you're safeguarding your overall well-being.