What Is Teeth Grinding, Bruxism?
Teeth grinding, Bruxism is grinding the lower teeth with the upper teeth non-functionally and clenching teeth, usually while sleeping. Bruxism, which is known as teeth grinding colloquially, is seen frequently in the society, but in most of the cases, the patients are unaware. Headaches, teeth erosions, fractures, loosenings, pain, tenderness and joint damage may occur if this condition is not treated.
Why Does Teeth Grinding Occur?
Psychological factors are generally dominant in teeth grinding. An individual may grind the teeth due to factors like anxiety, stress, disappointment, anger, regret, jealousy, obsession. The personality structure is also pretty important in bruxism. Bruxism cases are more common in aggressive, hyperactive, hasty, meticulous, competitive personality types. Disorders in jaw and teeth structures, a prosthesis or fillings can also cause teeth grinding. Malnutrition, alcohol, caffeine and tobacco use can increase the risk of bruxism.
Teeth Grinding In Infants And Children
Teething grinding in children usually develops when milk teeth come out and increases between the ages of 7 and 11. During this period where there is a transaction from milk teeth to permanent teeth, bruxism is accepted normal. Erosions that occur during this period disappear with the settlement of the permanent teeth. Intestinal parasites or other systemic factors may also cause tooth grinding in children. It is seen that bruxism accompanies sleep disorders in children with an attention deficit. According to the researches, especially psychostimulants that affect the central nerve system in hyperactive children who are under medical therapy is responsible for the development and occurrence of bruxism.
How Is Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) Treated?
The treatment of bruxism aims to eliminate pain and permanent damages that can occur in the teeth and temporomandibular joint.
In the treatment of children, information is initially gathered from the parents regarding the degree and intensity of the grinding, and it is followed by an oral examination. If erosions in teeth are excessive, these areas are treated. The closing of teeth is evaluated and if any, closing disorders or any impairment are recovered with small erosions. If no improvement can be achieved after these procedures, simple oral apparatus are made and it is tried to recover teeth grinding.
In the treatment of children, information is initially gathered from the parents regarding the degree and intensity of the grinding, and it is followed by an oral examination. If erosions in teeth are excessive, these areas are treated. The closing of teeth is evaluated and if any, closing disorders or any impairment are recovered with small erosions. If no improvement can be achieved after these procedures, simple oral apparatus are made and it is tried to recover teeth grinding.
In the treatment of bruxism, muscle spasms are eliminated and a relief is achieved in joint and muscle spasms with the help of an occlusal splint that are made of rigid acrylic. In bruxisms that are associated with stress, muscle relaxants and a psychological treatment are also required besides occlusal splints. Moreover, botox applications can be performed to weaken the chewing muscles. Botox will not hinder clenching, but will reduce its strength.
Clenching can be eliminated by correcting wrong dental procedures in bruxisms associated with dentition. If a severe jaw deformation is formed secondary to teeth grinding and clenching, a surgical treatment can be required.
Frequently Asked Questions About Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Which disease is manifested by teeth grinding?
Teeth grinding and clenching do not indicate any disease. They are more frequently encountered with stress, psychological problems and tiredness.
What are the symptoms of bruxism?
Erosion occurs in the teeth of people with clenching or grinding habits. Pain and tenderness develop in jaw muscles. Pain that especially occurs in the morning after sleep is a symptom of this habit.
Which doctor needs to be applied for teeth grinding (bruxism)?
It is important that patients with teeth grinding and clenching habits present to a dentist. If bruxism has caused problems in the jaw joint too, then the patient needs to see a maxillofacial surgeon.
How can teeth grinding be prevented while sleeping?
Teeth grinding or clenching cannot be prevented during sleep. Only damages that can occur in teeth can be prevented or stopped. Botox can be applied to weaken the strength of clenching. A night guard (occlusal splint) can be made to protect the teeth. Some anti-depressants can be beneficial.
Where can the anti-grinding teeth protectors be bought?
Protectors for grinding and clenching the teeth are prepared specifically for each patient by dentists. For this plate measurements are made and the apparatus is designed specifically for the patient. Apparatuses or plates used for clenching should be hard.
What are the considerations for use of bruxism apparatus, night plate?
People using bruxism apparatus, night plate should carefully wash their teeth with brush after they remove those in the morning and they should keep those apparatuses in a clean container. Worn plates should be switched with new ones.
What are bruxism drugs?
There is no medication treating bruxism. It has been demonstrated that those habits may regress after use of antidepressant agents for the patients with psychological problems. However, no medication can treat those habits. Botox application to chewing muscles may decrease the severity of clenching.
Is there any definite solution for tooth grinding (Bruxism)?
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