LIFESTYLE NES - Bruxism is a condition in which you grind, clench or gnash your teeth. Bruxism is considered as a sleep related movement disorder. In 70 - 80% of cases this happens subconsciously, although the majority of people clench their teeth while asleep.
Teeth grinding in children (with mixed dentition) is very common and is often considered as normal behaviour.
- Teeth grinding, which may be loud enough to awake your partner
- Flattened teeth (attrition, chipped or loose teeth)
- Increased sensitivity (hot and/or cold)
- Jaw or facial pain
- Pain that feels like earache
- Dull headache originating in the temples
- Sore or stiff chewing muscles
- Stiff neck or shoulders
- Lower backache
- Denture wearers may suffer from sores or ulcers under the fitting areas of the dentures.
The causes are not always obvious and may be physical or psychological and may include stress, anxiety, frustration, abnormal alignment of the teeth, sleeping problems, response to other pains (earache) or stomach reflex.
Damage to teeth and restorations or fillings, tension headaches, and damage to the temporomandibular (jaw) muscles and joints.
In many cases treatment is unnecessary. Children may outgrow bruxism without treatment.
However, if it is severe, the sooner you start treatment the easier it is to stop bruxism.
Treatment may include:
- adjusting fillings that are too high
- orthodontic treatment in the case of misalignment
- restorations when teeth wear has led to sensitivity
- occlusion splints or mouth guards
- Nipo or orthognathic appliance
- botox
- Splints and mouth guards must be custom fitted by your dentist, but normally don't stop you from clenching. It only protects your teeth from further damage. In some cases it may even make the clenching worse.
- A Nipo breaks the habit of clenching and botox prevent clenching instantly.
- In general, medication is not very effective and more research is needed to determine their effectiveness.
Contribution by Dr Herman Venter from Walk in Dentist
This article is for informative purposes only. Please see your doctor if you experience any symptoms. Questions can be forwarded to questions@walkindoctor.co.za.
Walk in Doctor / Walk in Dentist 0861 943 943
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