Dencyclopedia

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BRUXISM

Introduction:

Bruxism in dental terms is clenching or grinding of teeth. It is considered a disorder because it can damage the teeth, gums, and jaw. Bruxism can occur at any age, but it’s more common in children and adults under stress. If left untreated, it can lead to serious dental problems, such as tooth decay and gum disease. It can also cause headaches and jaw pain.

Types of Bruxism:

There are two types of bruxism:

1. Awake Bruxism:

This is when you clench or grind your teeth during the day. It may happen when you’re stressed or anxious.

2. Sleep Bruxism:

This is when you clench or grind your teeth at night. It may be a sign of an underlying sleep disorder, such as sleep apnea.

What causes Bruxism?

The exact cause of bruxism is unknown. It may be due to a combination of physical, psychological, and genetic factors.

Physical factors include:

  • Misaligned teeth: This can put extra stress on the teeth, leading to clenching or grinding.
  • Poor dental occlusion: This means that the teeth don’t fit together correctly when you bite down.
  • Abnormal biting surfaces: If the biting surfaces of the teeth are not smooth, they can trigger bruxism.
  • Jaw muscle abnormalities: This can cause the muscles to contract more than usual, leading to clenching or grinding.

Psychological factors include:

  • Stress: This is the most common psychological factor that leads to bruxism.
  • Anxiety: People who are anxious may clench or grind their teeth as a way to cope with their anxiety.
  • Anger: Some people may clench or grind their teeth when they’re angry.
  • Depression: People who are depressed may clench or grind their teeth as a way to release their feelings of sadness or frustration.

Genetic factors may also play a role in bruxism. Bruxism runs in families, so it’s possible that it may be passed down from generation to generation.

What are the symptoms of Bruxism?

The most common symptom of bruxism is teeth grinding or clenching. This can happen during the day or at night. You may not even realize you’re doing it.

Other symptoms of bruxism include:

  • Sensitive teeth
  • Jaw pain
  • Earache
  • Headache
  • Facial pain
  • Tiredness in the face
  • Stiffness in the jaw muscles
  • Difficulty opening the mouth wide
  • Clicking or popping sound when moving the jaw

If you have any of these symptoms, see your dentist or doctor. They can help you figure out if bruxism is the cause.

How is Bruxism diagnosed?

Your dentist or doctor will ask about your medical history and symptoms. They’ll also do a physical exam of your mouth and teeth. In some cases, they may order X-rays or other imaging tests to rule out other conditions.

How is Bruxism treated?

There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for bruxism. The best approach depends on the severity of your symptoms and the underlying cause.

In some cases, no treatment is necessary. If bruxism doesn’t cause any pain or damage to the teeth, you may not need any treatment.

If bruxism does cause pain or damage, your dentist or doctor may recommend one or more of the following treatments:

1. Mouth guards or splints: These devices are worn at night to protect the teeth from grinding or clenching.

2. Botox injections: These can help relax the jaw muscles and relieve pain.

3. Muscle relaxants: These can be used to relax the jaw muscles and relieve pain.

4. Stress management: This can help reduce stress and anxiety, which may lead to bruxism.

5. Biofeedback: This can help you learn to control your jaw muscles and reduce teeth grinding or clenching.

6. Surgery: In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to correct a jaw muscle abnormality or misaligned teeth.

If bruxism is due to an underlying condition, such as sleep apnea, treating the condition may help reduce or eliminate bruxism.

 

FAQ’s:

1. Are Bruxism and the Bite causally related?

There is much debate surrounding the potential causal relationship between bruxism and an incorrect bite. Some experts believe that bruxism may be caused by an incorrect bite, while others believe that bruxism can actually cause an incorrect bite. However, the majority of experts agree that there is likely a complex relationship between bruxism and an incorrect bite, and that further research is needed to determine the exact nature of this relationship.

2. Can Bruxism be cured?

There is no cure for bruxism, but there are treatments that can help to lessen its effects. Treatment options include behavioral therapies, dental appliances, and medications. Surgery is also an option for some people with severe bruxism. A combination of treatments is often most effective.

3. How does Bruxism affect your life?

Bruxism can have a number of negative effects on your life. It can cause headaches, jaw pain, and earache. It can also damage your teeth and lead to gum disease. In severe cases, bruxism may even affect your ability to eat or speak properly. Treatment is important to help lessen the effects of bruxism and improve your quality of life.

4. What are the risk factors for Bruxism?

The exact causes of bruxism are unknown, but there are a number of risk factors that have been identified. These include stress, anxiety, ADHD, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, sleep disorders, and family history. Some medications, such as antidepressants and stimulants, may also increase the risk of bruxism.

5. What are the symptoms of Bruxism?

The most common symptom of bruxism is grinding or clenching of the teeth. This can often be heard by others. Other symptoms include jaw pain, headaches, earache, and damaged teeth.

6. How is Bruxism diagnosed?

Bruxism is often diagnosed based on the symptoms. Your dentist may also ask about your medical history and conduct a physical examination of your mouth. X-rays or other imaging tests may also be used to diagnose bruxism.

7. What are the treatments for Bruxism?

There is no cure for bruxism, but there are treatments that can help to lessen its effects. Treatment options include behavioral therapies, dental appliances, and medications. Surgery is also an option for some people with severe bruxism. A combination of treatments is often most effective.

8. Will Bruxism go away?

Bruxism is a chronic condition, which means it will not go away on its own. However, treatment can help to lessen its effects and improve your quality of life.