06 May Bruxism

Is characterized by the grinding of the teeth and typically includes the clenching of the jaw. Its and oral parafunctional activity that occurs in most humans at some time in their lives. In most people, bruxism is mild enough not to be a health problem.

Causes of Bruxism

Sleep Disorders

Research has consistently found that bruxism is found more frequently in those individuals who have an existing sleep disorder such as snoring, breathing pauses during sleep and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).

Lifestyle Factors

The use of psychoactive substances like tobacco, alcohol, caffeine, or medications for sleep, also depression, and anxiety, increases arousal and leads to problems falling asleep, staying asleep and daytime sleepiness. Bruxism is significantly higher in individuals whose lifestyle includes the use of these substances.

Stress, Anxiety & other Psychological Components

Mental disorders, anxiety, stress and adverse psychosocial factors are significantly related to tooth grinding during sleep and it has been found that nearly 70% of bruxism occurs as a result of this.

Symptoms Of Bruxism

Physical symptoms:

• Headache
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) discomfort and muscle aches
• Facial myalgia (muscle pain)
• Ear ache
• Tightness and stiffness of the shoulders
• Limitation of mouth opening
• Sleep disruption of the individual as well as the bed partner

Treatment Options

Although there have been many other treatments proposed over the years to decrease the level of bruxism, the only proven treatments for bruxism are:

• Mandibular advancement devices
• Hypnosis
• Occlusal splints