Bruxism is, very basically, a mandibular dysfunction that translates into involuntary movement of the masticatory system, and often, the person themselves is unaware they suffer from this problem.
Another name for this condition is “teeth grinding”. This stems from the fact that a person clenches their upper teeth against their lower ones (forcefully) and moves them back and forth countless times, resulting in wear and tear on the teeth.
As it's an unconscious habit – until someone tells you that you grind your teeth while you sleep or until your dentist identify the problem during a thorough dental review – you may be suffering from unexplained pain and discomfort in the oral, head and neck area.
Failing to address this problem could lead to serious consequences for your oral health. As you know, most people have experienced bruxism, and if detected early, it can be treated immediately.
Some people adopt this physical manifestation to release high levels of stress and anxiety simply because they don't know how to channel these emotions through exercise or relaxation techniques.
Quais são as causas do bruxismo?
Various studies suggest stress as the main cause of this involuntary movement. However, there are other factors.
Review your diet and sleep habits; excessive sugar consumption can cause bruxism, and not getting enough sleep or having an inadequate routine can lead to stress. Also, misaligned teeth or poor spinal posture favour teeth grinding. Do not forget that the inability to relax contributes to a constant state of stress.
If you can lower your anxiety levels, taking care of your routine, habits, and diet contributes to its prevention as you are avoiding some of the aspects that contribute to this condition.
Here are some of the symptoms you may experience due to excessive pressure on the muscles, tissues, and structures surrounding the jaw, which cause temporomandibular joint problems:
– Prolonged pain in the face, ear and/or head.
– Sensitivity to hot and cold food and drinks.
Jaw fatigue.
- Fractures or chips on tooth edges.
Insomnia due to facial fatigue and discomfort.
As you know, there are different types of bruxism. It is important to identify them properly so that appropriate treatment can be initiated.
We have the Centric bruxism This is known as bruxism. It damages the neck of the teeth and normally causes cervical wear. Given their position in the jaw, molars are the teeth that are damaged. Due to the tension, there is also the symptom of headaches.
Already eccentric bruxism refers to the grinding of teeth and damages the edges of the incisors and molars. Tooth wear is directly related to the defined pattern of excessive jaw movements.
Besides these, there is also the Sleep bruxism. As the name suggests, it occurs during sleep, and the noise it causes can be quite unpleasant. Unless you have someone sleeping beside you to tell you, you might go through life unaware of the problem.
Finally, we have the Wakeful bruxism. It happens during the day and is mainly associated with work-related stress.
Besides the type of bruxism, it can also be classified by its degree according to how it affects you:
– Grade I: Also known as an incipient habit as it is not aggressive. It occurs occasionally both consciously and unconsciously. It is reversible and ends by itself.
– Grade II: An established habit. It already shows signs of anxiety and consequences of bruxism, such as dental injuries. At this stage, some treatments are already being initiated to help reduce the consequences of the problem.
– Grade III: Habit is powerful and difficult to control, with constant movements being entirely unavoidable. The damage is also considerable. In these cases, the dentist applies the recommended techniques for this.
How should I treat bruxism?
To alleviate facial muscle pain, you can apply a damp, warm towel to the area. Your dentist, with the aim of protecting tooth enamel and preventing continuous tooth wear, will recommend the use of upper and lower mouthguards to stop teeth grinding. Although this option addresses the problem, it is not a definitive cure.
As bruxism is a consequence of high levels of stress and anxiety, you should learn to relax through exercise, meditation or yoga. Treatment should be planned and X-rays should be taken to assess any damage to the teeth. Specific muscle exercises to release jaw tension are also recommended and, in some cases, medication may be prescribed.
Your dentist will propose solutions for your oral health which you should follow, just as you should fully understand this condition. However, to lead a more peaceful lifestyle and to alleviate your daily stress and tensions, you should consult other specialists for help in this regard.
If you suffer from any of these symptoms – or if you believe you have bruxism – visit your dentist. Only then can your case be treated in the most convenient way for your health.
