Bruxism is when the sufferer grinds their teeth at night or during the day. It’s no wonder that this habit can be so hard to break! If you suffer from bruxism, there are a few things that you can do in order to treat the condition and improve your overall dental health.
What is bruxism?
Bruxism is a dental problem that occurs when the teeth grind together. This can cause pain, toothache, and even tooth loss. The most common form of bruxism is called clenching or grinding teeth. Other forms of bruxism include biting the tongue, jaw popping, and head nodding. It is a type of tooth grinding that can cause pain and damage to the teeth and gums. It is most common in adults over the age of 45 and usually begins in adulthood.
Causes of Bruxism
Stress
It's caused by stress and can be treated with lifestyle changes, medication, or surgery. Stress can cause the jaw to tense up, which forces the teeth to grind against each other. This can lead to tooth pain, headaches, and even TMJ (temporomandibular joint) syndrome.
Anxiety
The most common cause of bruxism is anxiety. Anxiety can cause muscle tension in the jaw, which can lead to the clenching and grinding of teeth.
Sleep Deprivation
The most common cause of bruxism is sleep deprivation. When people don't get enough sleep, their muscles tend to tire more quickly. This can lead to bruxism, because when the teeth are overworked, they may start to hurt.
Abnormal Bone Growth
Bruxism is a medical condition that is caused by abnormal bone growth. It is a common problem that affects adults and adolescents. It can cause pain in the jaw and forehead, as well as headaches.
Muscle Tension
One of the most common causes is tooth clenching. This can cause the muscles in the jaw to become tense and hard, which can lead to bruxism.
Tooth Wear
Another cause of bruxism is tooth wear. Over time, the teeth can become so worn down that they start to rub against each other. This can cause pain and make it difficult to bite properly.
Bruxism Symptoms
Pain the jaw
It is caused by the grinding of teeth at night or in the morning. The pain can often be very severe and last for hours. There are many different symptoms of bruxism, but the most common is pain in the jaw.
Headache
Bruxism can cause headaches, as the teeth are grinding against each other. People with bruxism typically experience tooth pain and jaw stiffness too.
Difficulty sleeping
If you are experiencing bruxism, you may want to try some methods to help you sleep better. One method is to relax your jaw muscles before bed. You can also use an over-the-counter sleep aid that contains caffeine or melatonin. Finally, make sure that you get enough sleep each night.
Bruxism Treatment
Bruxism is a common dental problem that can be caused by grinding or jaw clenching. It’s usually an intermittent problem, but if it’s not treated, it can lead to tooth wear and even tooth loss. Here are some tips on how to treat bruxism:
- Talk to your dentist about your symptoms. They may be able to recommend a treatment plan that fits you specifically.
- Stop grinding or clenching your teeth. One method is to avoid chewing on hard objects, such as nuts and rocks. This will help reduce the severity of the bruxism symptoms.
- Use a mouth guard for teeth grinding to help protect your teeth from damage.
- Take breaks from chewing and biting throughout the day. This will help reduce the amount of time you spend grinding or clenching your teeth.
- If you're dealing with bruxism, the B. Weiss water flosser is a great way to treat the condition. This device uses high-pressure water to remove plaque from the teeth. It is safe to use and does not require any anesthesia or other painkillers. It can be used at home and is effective in treating both mild and severe cases of bruxism.
Consult with a chiropractor about how they may be able to help relieve the symptoms of bruxism. Chiropractors use various techniques to improve nerve function and alleviate pain in other parts of the body. The most common approach to treating bruxism is to prescribe medication to address the underlying cause of the condition.
However, this is only one option and should not be the only one considered if bruxism is causing significant distress or pain. In some cases, mouth-exercise therapy may also be recommended. This involves exercises designed to reduce muscle tension in the jaw and neck. Additionally, various lifestyle changes may be helpful in treating bruxism, such as reducing stress levels and increasing sleep opportunities.
Conclusion
Bruxism is a common problem that can be difficult to treat. If you experience bruxism, it’s essential to seek out professional help as soon as possible. There are various treatments available that can help ease the symptoms, and most people find that they experience improvement within a few short weeks. If you think you might have bruxism, speak to your doctor or dentist about whether they could refer you for treatment.
Disclaimer:
The content in this article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider before making any changes to your health regimen. The author and publisher do not take responsibility for any consequences resulting from the information provided in this article.