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Bruxism is a debilitating condition wherein an individual gnashes, clenches or grinds their teeth. People suffering from this condition may not know that they are suffering from any such mannerism. In fact they may not even realize that treatment for the same is available till the time their teeth get completely damaged. The condition is associated with grinding of teeth, sometimes characterized by jaw clenching. Bruxism may also affect gums and may even damage the tooth enamel. While Bruxism does not have a cure, there are a variety of techniques and methods ranging from medication to behavior therapy that are used to treat bruxism.
Bruxism Causes And Effects
Exact cause for Bruxism is not
known yet but the condition is known to be associated with many disorders
including stress, sleeplessness, anger, anxiety, fear, depression, migraines,
tinnitus, gum recession and neck pain. Moreover, Bruxism is a para-functional in
nature i.e. sufferers of bruxism clench their teeth as a habitual exercise
rather allowing teeth, jaws and muscles perform their functional activity. The
parafuctional nature of bruxism exerts extra load on the teeth because of which
it wears at a faster speed. The Enamel which is the outer most hard covering of
teeth wears off first causing the softer layer i.e Dentine to get exposed. This
also makes teeth more susceptible to Caries. In most of the cases, musculature
and joints of jaw also suffer defect.
Generalized attrition and
abfraction of teeth can also be seen in the patients suffering with Bruxism. Attrition
is the loss in the vertical height of teeth, while abfraction is the term given
to a definite type defect in a tooth which is present at the front surface of
teeth and is near the gums. Pain and swelling related to TMJ is another symptom
that can be seen in patients suffering from bruxisum.
Bruxism Diagnosis
Bruxism diagnosis involves physical
examination by a dentist. Only a qualified dentist will be able to rule out
possibility of other disorders that cause similar symptoms of ear and jaw pain.
If you feel that you are suffering from Bruxism, you must make it a point to
visit a dentist and confirm the same. Chances that you are suffering from this
condition are high if you have history of significant tension and stress.
Bruxism Treatment
Similar to other medical
therapies, treatment of Bruxism should be directed towards eradicating the
cause of bruxism. The treatment must also be able to alleviate pain, reduce
clenching and prevent further damage of teeth.
Bruxism Pain can be relieved with
self-help techniques such as application of ice packs to sore jaw muscles,
getting plenty of sleep, reducing daily stress and by avoiding eating hard
foods such as candies, nuts and steak.
Damage to teeth can be prevented
by using mouth guards and other dental appliances. If bruxism if causing too
much of inconvenience, muscle relaxants and anti-depressants may also be
prescribed by your dentist.
Astonishingly, in many cases,
modifying daytime behavior and relaxing is adequate to reduce nighttime
bruxism.
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