Skip to main content

Bruxism (Teeth Grinding): Causes and Therapies for a Potentially Troubling Behavior

What exactly is bruxism?

 Bruxism refers to the para -functional ("para" – outside; "function" – job or duty) grinding of teeth. In other words, the stress is placed on the teeth and jaw muscles outside the normal range of chewing, biting, etc.

What are the types of Bruxism?

 Bruxism is divided into two separate categories: daytime (diurnal) grinding, which occurs while you are awake, and nighttime (nocturnal) grinding that occurs while you are asleep.

 What are the Causes of Bruxism

1.    It seems to be related to a pattern of brain activity that happens during the sleep cycle. This pattern, called the arousal response, occurs when an individual passes between states of deeper and lighter sleep or wakefulness. Several studies indicate it can trigger muscular activities that result in teeth grinding. Based on this research, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine now classifies nocturnal bruxism as a sleep-related movement disorder. That classification makes sense, as studies have shown that nocturnal teeth grinding is strongly associated with habitual snoring and other sleep disorders.

2.      Long-term use of psychoactive drugs, such as certain SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and amphetamines, is associated with bruxism. It's possible that these drugs affect the transmission of nerve impulses in such a way that they trigger the response

3.      The excessive use of Tobacco, caffeine, alcohol and illicit drugs has also been reported to trigger teeth grinding.

4.      Bruxism has a psychological or emotional aspect.  Bruxers tend to have higher levels of anxiety, stress sensitivity, depression and hostility.

How do you diagnose Bruxism?

 Usually people find themselves clenching their teeth — especially in times of stress. Occasionally at night, a relative or sleeping partner may notice unexpectedly loud, grating sounds. On closer inspection, they may find that those jarring noises are produced by teeth grinding.

 What is the treatment of Bruxism?

1.       Bruxism isn’t abnormal — and in many cases, simply becoming aware of this behavior can help you limit it. If it recurs frequently, however, it may be time to seek treatment.

2.         Avoid use of illicit drugs, alcohol and tobacco.

3.       Stress reduction techniques address the psychological side of the bruxism. There are a number of simple techniques that can help you relax and get a good night's sleep — and many of them can be effective at reducing teeth grinding at night. Taking a warm bath, creating a soothing environment for relaxation and keeping work-related tasks (and laptop computers) out of the bedroom can help you decompress and unwind more easily at night. Other stress-reduction practices, including meditation, mindfulness and biofeedback, can be used at any time.

4.      A number of dental treatments can help keep your teeth from being damaged by excessive grinding .The most common is an appliance called an "occlusal guard" or night guard. This is a comfortable, custom-made device that is most often worn over the top teeth. Made of laboratory-processed acrylic resin, a high impact plastic, the device keeps the teeth from actually coming into contact, and can prevent damage to teeth, fillings, crowns and other dental work.

         Figure : After taking impressions, your dentist will make a model of your bite. A custom-made night guard is created from that model.


 





Labels:
Location: Global Dent Dental Hospital,Near, 203, Second Floor, Above Karachi Bakery, SBR Towers, HUDA Techno Enclave, Madhapur, Hyderabad, Telangana 500081, India

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Top 5 guiding points for Teeth Scaling

What is Plaque? Plaque is a soft, sticky film that forms on your teeth. The bacteria in the plaque feeds off sugars in food and drink that we take and produce acids that dissolve and break down the enamel of the teeth. When you don't clean your teeth properly, the plaque eventually hardens into calculus which makes it even more difficult to clean your teeth. Why do I need to get my teeth cleaned? There are hard-to-reach areas that we can't clean thoroughly when we brush our teeth. Once plaque up and hardens into calculus (tartar), brushing alone can't remove it. Dentists use special instruments to meticulously remove the hard deposits of calculus on your teeth. How often should I undergo teeth cleaning? It is recommended that you get dental cleaning every six months. Patients who are highly prone to periodontal disease may be advised to see their dentist more frequently. Do Scaling weaken your teeth? Scaling do not cause any harm to your teeth. You may hav
2 comments
Read more

Charcoal Toothpaste: Is it safe for your Teeth?

Charcoal toothpastes and powders are fashionable oral hygiene products. It is promoted as   'tooth whitening' product. The popularity of charcoal toothpastes is increasing in many countries across the world .  Manufacturers claim that such charcoal-based products have whitening, remineralization, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties of charcoal in such products. However, there is no substantial scientific evidence for these claims. Some of the studies have in fact showed increased enamel abrasion and tooth decay. It is advised to be cautious when using charcoal and charcoal-based dentifrices with unproven claims of efficacy and safety. What else works for teeth whitening? You have plenty of safe and effective options : In-office Teeth whitening Dentist supervised at-home teeth whitening
Post a Comment
Read more

What shape & size of tooth brush you need to select?

A toothbrush is the primary tool used every day to maintain optimal oral health, so it’s no wonder you want to choose the best one. But when you walk into a local store, you may face a dazzling display of toothbrushes! Selecting the right one may seem like an overwhelming task.   What are the basic functions of Tooth Brush? (1) To remove dental plaque (an invisible film of bacteria) and food debris from teeth (2) To minimize tartar build-up   (3) To stimulate gum tissue and prevent or reduce inflammation (gingivitis) Do we need to select Soft or Firm Tooth Brush? Although hard bristles would result in better cleaning, they cause gum recession. This condition exposes the root surfaces of teeth to abrasion and erosion, resulting in sensitivity to touch, heat and/or cold, and acidic foods. A soft brush, in contrast, can remove plaque without harming the teeth or irritating the gums.   So, most dentist s recommend a “soft” toothbrush,   Do increase in length and rounding of
Post a Comment
Read more