Teeth Grinding or Bruxism

Teeth grinding is a habit that usually occurs in the sleep. Also known as BRUXISM in medical circles. Bruxers could be grinding their teeth (at night) and may be totally unaware of it . Many dentist's feel that bruxism is dental manifestation of a psychological problem. If you are aware of theeth grinding in yourself or in anyone else around you, then talk to your dentist about it
*SHOULD I BE CONCERNED IF I HAVE BRUXISM? : Yes, bruxism is a serious disorder if you let it continue for too long. Grinding can cause teeth to become painful or loose. Patients can grind away parts of their teeth, leaving worn surfaces or fractured enamel. The exposed teeth then become sensitive to hot or cold sensations. Bruxism over a period of time can result in chipped, broken or reduced teeth and receding gums. Many bruxers often experience pain in the jaw muscles and continious grinding may even cause the jaw move out of proper balance. Consult your dentist and find out what is to be done.
WHAT CAUSES BRUXISM : It is a disorder that can affect all ages of people from both sexes. Stress is a major cause of bruxism. Often when you are angry or hurt you find yourself clenching your teeth. The use of tobacco, alcohol or caffeine tends to aggrevate the problem. Another cause of bruxism is the use of some medications, In particular anti-depressants. SYMPTOMS OF BRUXISM :
* Teeth grinding, severe or very loud that occurs during sleep.
* jaw clenching
* jaw pain or ear ache
* Abnormal alingment of teeth
* Jaw muscle contraction
* Anxiety, stress and tension
* suppressing anger
* In addition bruxers may aslo bite their fingernails, pencils and chew the inside of their cheek.
WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT BRUXISM? : To cut down on bruxism the first step is to eliminate or decrease stress in your life. Cut out smoking and alcohol and reduce your consumption of coffee. Specific treatment for bruxism, will be determined by your dentist or physician based on:
* your age, overall health and medical history
* Extent of the disease
* Your tolerance for specific medications procedures or therapies
* Expectations for the course of the disease
* Your opinion or preferance
The Objective of therapy is to get the bruxer to change behaviour by learning how to rest the tongue , teeth and lips properly. Call your dentist if bruxism occurs especially if it is associated with pain in the jaw or ear or if the teeth appear misalinged or if there is difficulty with the bite. About one in three people suffer from bruxism which in most cases can be successfully treated. The treatment may involve.
* BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION: Teaching the patient how to rest his or her tongue, teeth lips properly and learning how to rest the tongue upwards may relieve discomfort on the jaw while keeping the teeth apart and lips closed.
* MOUTHPIECE : A specially fitted plastic mouth appliance may be worn at night to absorb the force of biting. This appliance may help to prevent future damage to the teeth and aid in changing the patients behaviour. Do not ignore bruxism , consult a dentist if you notice it continuing over a period of time. Timely intervention can save you from major treatment, suffering and expenses which will occur if the conditon is not treated at the initial stages.