Bruxism- The Habitual Grinding of
Teeth
Have you ever been told that you grind your teeth? Tooth
grinding [bruxism] is an oral habit which involves clenching and
grinding of the teeth. It is not uncommon in our society.
Approximately 50% to 96% of adults experience bruxism. 15% of
children acquire this behavior. Most often, this habit goes by
unnoticed by the person. Bruxism can occur during the day or
night.
What causes bruxism?
This condition has no specific cause, but is believed to
be a combination of many factors, such as:
- emotional
stress
- personalities characterized as aggressive, controlling,
precise,or who have time urgency and achievement compulsion tend to
develop bruxism
- malocclusion
[teeth that are not aligned properly]
- children
whose parents brux are more likely to develop this habit than
children whose parents do not brux
Signs
of bruxism:
- tooth wear,
fractures of the teeth and fillings, especially on the front
teeth
- grinding
noise noticed by a sleeping partner
- facial
muscle pain and fatigue
- locking,
cracking, and clicking of the jaws
- headaches
- tooth
mobility
- sensitive
teeth
Treatment of bruxism:
- we can
make you aware of the habit and suggest behavioral therapies to
stop the bruxism
- stress
reduction and coping techniques can be initiated to reduce the
emotional stress you may be experiencing
- a removable
intra-oral appliance can be made for you called a nightguard or
bruxism splint. The mouthguard protects the teeth from the forces
of clenching and grinding the teeth together. A mouthguard or
nightguard is more practical for treating the night bruxer than for
those who have daytime clenching and grinding habits.
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