Breaking the Habit: Tips for Coping with Bruxism
Are you waking up in the morning with a headache? Do you have radiating pain in your jaws and ears? Then, what you notice may be due to bruxism. This is a common medical condition characterized by involuntary and abnormal clenching or grinding of your teeth.
Specialists offering dental practice in Weston, MA, provide a comprehensive approach towards bruxism. Read on to know everything about bruxism.
A comprehensive guide to bruxism
Bruxism is a medical term used to define an involuntary clenching or grinding of your teeth, especially during sleep. This could probably occur even when you are awake (awake bruxism) or during your sleep (sleep bruxism). Occasional teeth grinding is considered normal, but persistent clenching is a cause of concern and should not be ignored. Bruxism is considered a common sleep problem with a prevalence of 10% among adults and 15% among children.
Causes of bruxism
Bruxism has multiple causes to it that may differ in adults and children.
Potential causes in adults
- Sleep disorders
- Stress and anxiety
- Unhealthy lifestyle habits like smoking and alcoholism
- Consumption of recreational drugs and excess caffeine
- Certain medications like anti-anxiety drugs
Potential causes in children
- Malaligned teeth
- Pain such as earache
- Stress
- Medical conditions like hyperactivity or cerebral palsy
Symptoms of bruxism
Teeth grinding can be manifested by any one or a combination of the following signs and symptoms:
- Headaches
- TMJ pain
- Pain radiating to the ears
- Gnawing and constant tooth pain, especially after waking up
- Wearing down the tooth enamel
- Jaw pain while chewing
- Clicking or popping sounds around the TMJ
- Jaw stiffness (lockjaw)
- Myofascial pain
- Highly sensitive teeth
- Tooth indentations
Effective treatment for bruxism
The following ways help treat bruxism based on the severity of symptoms:
Conservative methods
- Relaxation exercises
- Stress management techniques like yoga
Mouthguards/Nightguards
- These are acrylic appliances that help to minimize the abrasive action of tooth surfaces during sleep.
- They also help stabilize the occlusion and prevent damage to the teeth and TMJ.
NTI-tss device
- This device is designed to fit your front teeth, preventing the abnormal grinding of the rear molars by limiting the contraction of the temporalis muscle.
Botox injections
- This is an excellent neuromodulator that aids in the relaxation of the weakened facial muscles due to bruxism.
Other treatments
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Physical therapy
Final note
Bruxism is a common condition affecting both children and adults of any age group. An unhealthy lifestyle, stress, and anxiety can trigger this condition. Early detection is crucial and paves the way for an effective and optimal treatment outcome. This can significantly improve your quality of sleep and life, thereby improving your general well-being.