BRUXISM

WHAT IT IS, HOW IT OCCURS AND HOW TO TREAT IT

You must have encountered teeth grinding at least once in your life, whether you heard someone in the house doing it during sleep or maybe you were the one grinding and your housemates warned you about it.

Bruxism is a condition characterized by grinding, clenching or grinding of the teeth, which usually occurs involuntarily during sleep. It is extremely unpleasant to listen to because it creates an unpleasant sound that makes most people uncomfortable. Besides being unpleasant to listen to, it can also leave some lasting effects.

We have made a brief overview of this condition for you so that you can get to know it as well as possible and know how to face them. Let's go!

CAUSES

Bruxism can be caused by a number of factors, including stress, anxiety, misaligned teeth, sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, or even certain medications and substances such as caffeine or alcohol. It can also be a subconscious response to emotional tension or repressed anger.

EFFECTS ON THE BODY AND OVERALL HEALTH

Bruxism can lead to various negative effects on the health of the teeth and the general well-being of the whole body. Common effects include worn away tooth enamel, tooth sensitivity, jaw pain or stiffness, headaches, earaches, sleep disturbance and facial muscle inflammation. In severe cases, it can contribute to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.

OŠTEĆENJA DAMAGES

The repetitive grinding and clenching of bruxism can cause significant damage to teeth, leading to fractures, chipping, flattening or even loosening of teeth over time. It can also contribute to the development of TMJ disorders, resulting in jaw pain, clicking or cracking sounds, and difficulty opening or closing the mouth.

TREATMENT

Treatment for bruxism is usually aimed at addressing the underlying causes and relieving the symptoms. This may include stress management techniques such as relaxation exercises, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), or counseling to deal with anxiety or emotional stressors.

In addition, wearing a specially adapted mouth guard or splint at night can help protect your teeth from further damage by creating a barrier between your upper and lower teeth. This is the fastest and most effective solution because the results are visible immediately, and in this way mechanical damage to the teeth that is irreversible is immediately prevented.

Although there is no specific cure for bruxism, it can often be effectively treated with appropriate interventions. Identifying and addressing underlying triggers, practicing good sleep hygiene, and using a protective splint can help reduce the frequency and severity of bruxism episodes, relieve symptoms, and prevent further damage to the teeth and jaw.

Early intervention can help reduce the impact of bruxism on dental health and overall quality of life.