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By The Smile Shapers - Dentist Ventura

Do you or your family members suffer from severe teeth grinding? If you answered yes, it’s possible that bruxism is to blame. It’s a disorder characterized by patients who grind or clench their teeth excessively and frequently. Untreated bruxism can damage your teeth, jaw muscles, and TMJ. However, it is readily treatable with more advanced orthodontic procedures and therapies. Continue reading to learn more about the treatment options available.

THERE ARE TWO KINDS OF BRUXISM.

1. AWAKE BRUXISM

Awake bruxism is a daytime phenomenon that occurs when the jaw and teeth are clamped shut. It’s caused by anxiety, anger, or any other kind of mental strain.

2. SLEEP BRUXISM OR NIGHT BRUXISM

Sleep bruxism is the act of clenching and grinding your teeth during sleep. You are generally unaware of how hard you clench or the force you apply to your teeth while sleeping. As a result, this is a more severe problem.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF BRUXISM

It’s conceivable that you were unaware of your teeth grinding throughout the night. If that’s the case, look for the following bruxism symptoms provided by Dentist Ventura, CA:-

  1. The jaws make a loud noise when they are shaken or slammed.
  2. Your teeth will clench loudly enough to wake you up.
  3. Teeth wear and tear.
  4. Sleep is disrupted.
  5. When eating, there is discomfort in the teeth and jaw.
  6. Teeth that are more susceptible to tooth decay because of enamel erosion.
  7. Teeth that are painful, sensitive, and flaky.
  8. Dental fractures
  9. Headaches or facial pain early in the day.
  10. TMJ (Temporomandibular joint) disorder.
  11. Earache.
  12. Tenderness in the jaw muscles, muscular pains.

THE REASONS FOR BRUXISM

There are a variety of causes for bruxism. The following are the most common reasons: –

1. UNHEALTHY LIVING HABITS

Teeth grinding is also linked to poor dietary behaviors such as smoking, drinking alcohol, taking drugs, and consuming too much coffee. These habits interfere with your brain and cardiovascular functions.

2. SLEEP DISORDERS

Sleep bruxism is caused by abnormal brain activity during sleep, which includes dreaming and sleep disorders. Sleep apnea is one of the most prevalent sleep problems associated with sleep bruxism.

3. EMOTIONAL TENSION

Both sleep and awake bruxism are caused by emotional stress. Teeth grinding is familiar to some individuals when they attempt to focus.

4. MEDICATIONS

Certain medications can also induce bruxism. One of them is a type of antidepressant known as serotonin reuptake inhibitors [SRIs]. It’s an anti-anxiety medication. Other antidepressants, such as paroxetine and fluoxetine, can also cause teeth grinding.

BRUXISM: ITS CAUSES AND TREATMENTS

1. MOOD OF STRESSFULNESS

If you are stressed, nervous, or angry most of the time, you risk grinding your teeth at night or during the day.

2. YOUNG CHILDREN

Bruxism affects a large number of youngsters. Every tenth kid in the US experiences teeth grinding. When your children get older, this problem generally goes away. However, if you notice any symptoms, you should bring them to see your dentist.

3. PERSONALITY TYPE

Individuals who are hyperactive, aggressive, and competitive are more prone to bruxism. This is due to one of its causes being emotional stress.

4. MEDICATION, DRUGS, & SUBSTANCE ABUSE

If you’re a junkie for recreational drugs, cigarettes, and alcohol, you’re more likely to get bruxism. Taking antidepressants and anxiolytics raises your chances as well.

5. FAMILY HISTORY

You are more likely to get bruxism if you have a family history of teeth grinding or jaw clenching. In many cases, bruxism is hereditary.

6. MENTAL DISORDERS

Grinding teeth in sleep can be caused by mental health issues such as dementia, reflux disease, Parkinson’s disease, and epilepsy.

BRUXISM DIAGNOSIS

Bruxism may be identified via a physical examination and your symptoms. A sleep study may occasionally be suggested to obtain a definitive answer. It’s performed at a sleep center using cutting-edge equipment.

HOW TO TREAT BRUXISM

1. BRACES

If you grind your teeth as a result of malocclusion, braces are an established technique to correct it. Braces apply gentle pressure to misaligned teeth in order to realign them.

2. INVISALIGN

Invisalign does the same function as traditional braces, but they are virtually inconspicuous to others. These are a set of unique,clear aligners that must be replaced every few weeks.

3. NIGHTGUARD

Bruxism is more common among hyperactive, aggressive, and competitive people. This is due in part to its causes, which include emotional stress.

Here are some other therapies that may help you treat your grinding habit: –

  • Stress Management

If stress is causing your teeth to grind, you might find some comfort in reducing your stress levels. It’s physically impossible to get rid of stress entirely. However, you may control how you react to a stressful situation.

  • Medication

Medications can help you control your jaw and teeth to a certain extent. These medications aid in the reduction of muscular activity. Botox is also used to treat severe cases of bruxism, as a medicine.

BOTTOM LINE

Orthodontic and other advanced therapies may help cure or alleviate tooth grinding symptoms. There are several ways to treat problems like bruxism depending on their source in modern science. As a result, you should visit a doctor as soon as possible if you have bruxism.

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