Bruxism, or nighttime teeth grinding, isn’t only an extremely unpleasant problem, but also quite dangerous. Such conditions shouldn’t be ignored, because even those that seem insignificant can pose a threat.
But as long as you take care of your health, it is safe. Let’s find out what bruxism is, what is the prevention of bruxism, and the treatment that will help you cope with the problem.
What is bruxism?
Bruxism is a problem that both children and adults can experience. It consists of nighttime teeth grinding, most often during the sleep. There are many causes of this condition, and the best way to find it out is to consult a doctor who can give you an accurate examination and treatment prescription.
As a rule, bruxism goes unnoticed by the person, i.e. the patient doesn’t know that he or she suffers bruxism. The movements themselves usually involve the teeth clenching together, but the jaws don’t move at this point. One of the causes of bruxism can be tooth growth.
Bruxism requires attention, as it can seriously affect your health. Complicated cases of bruxism can have extremely negative consequences, that is why, as with most dental ailments, unless you take care of yourself in advance, the results can be worse than you reckon.
Among the possible consequences that an advanced bruxism problem can lead to are enamel wear, deterioration of the bite, and general discomfort and stress.
Why do we grind teeth at night?
Bruxism can be caused by many reasons, as well as a combination of different factors. Only a qualified doctor can correctly determine the causes. Among the main causes of bruxism are the following:
- Stress and emotional tension. If a person, regardless of age, is in a constant state of stress and emotional tension, it can result in nighttime grinding of teeth – that’s why it’s so important to monitor your emotional state.
- Abnormalities in the structure of the teeth or a malocclusion can stimulate the teeth grinding reflex. This grinding may occur as an attempt to align the teeth or improve contact between them.
- Bad habits. Some people have bad habits, such as chewing on pencils, nail plates, or other objects, which can contribute to bruxism.
- Genetic factors. Some people may have a predisposition to bruxism due to genetic factors that affect the structure and function of the muscles of the face and jaws.
- Hormonal changes. In some cases, hormonal changes, such as those that occur during pregnancy, can affect the activity of the facial muscles and contribute to bruxism.
It is important to note that people of all ages and genders can suffer bruxism, and often determining the specific causes may require consultation with a specialist, such as a dentist, orthodontist or gnathologist.
What to do if grinding interferes with your life?
The most important step you can take to overcome this problem is to visit a doctor in time and take care of your health at the early stages. To do this, choose only approved medicines and timely diagnostics.
If your nighttime teeth grinding has already become a serious source of discomfort and interfered with your daily life, it is important to take steps to manage this condition. Firstly, it is recommended that you see a qualified orthodontist for a detailed examination and diagnosis. Your doctor may recommend the use of special night guards to reduce the impact of grinding on your teeth.
Relaxation techniques and psychotherapy can be helpful in managing stress, which can be an underlying cause of bruxism. In cases of severe pain symptoms or significant impact on the temporomandibular joints, your doctor may recommend other treatments, such as physiotherapy or medication. It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and manage your stress levels to improve your overall oral and mental well-being.
Complications of bruxism
Complicated bruxism, which is long-lasting or contains significant symptoms, can have a variety of consequences and affect various aspects of oral and general health. Some possible consequences of complicated bruxism include:
- Wear and tear of enamel and tooth structures: The constant contact and friction between teeth during bruxism can cause rapid wear and tear on enamel and other tooth structures. This can cause tooth sensitivity and increase the risk of tooth decay and other oral problems.
- Pain in the jaws and facial muscles: Bruxism can cause tension in the muscles of the jaws and face, which can be accompanied by pain, discomfort, and even more serious muscle problems.
- Joint problems: Long-term cases of bruxism can affect the temporomandibular joints, which can cause various problems such as pain, limited mobility and joint dysfunction.
Treatment of complicated bruxism may include the use of protective night splints, relaxation techniques, physiotherapy and other methods aimed at relieving symptoms and managing the condition. In some cases, a consultation with an orthodontist or other specialists may be recommended for comprehensive treatment.
Children’s bruxism
Children face bruxism at different ages which is followed by a number of symptoms to look out for. These are mostly similar to adult’s symptoms, but children may suffer noticeable irritation and stress.
Bruxism itself can be a reaction to stressful situations or internal conflicts, and requires careful understanding and support from parents and others. It is important to create an environment for the children’s development and understand their individual needs to support their mental health and well-being.
Conclusions
Adult bruxism, or nighttime teeth grinding, is a common condition that can have a significant impact on oral health and overall well-being. Regardless of the causes of bruxism, it is important to respond to this condition in a timely manner and take appropriate measures to treat and manage it.
The use of night splints, relaxation techniques, and psychological support can be effective in relieving the symptoms of bruxism.
Seeing a qualified dentist is a key to solving the problem, especially in cases of complicated bruxism. Maintaining healthy teeth and jaws is important for overall well-being, and timely diagnosis and treatment can help ensure long-term oral health and an improved quality of life.