What bruxism is and how to treat it
Bruxism, a common disorder that can have serious consequences for dental health and requires specialised treatment.
Bruxism is a disorder characterised by teeth grinding during sleep. Although it is a common disorder, it often goes unnoticed by patients as the symptoms can be difficult to detect.
It is an ailment that can have several causes, such as stress, anxiety, the consumption of certain medications or the presence of dental occlusion problems. Symptoms of bruxism may include headache, jaw pain, fatigue, pain in the jaw when chewing or pain in the ears.
- Dental health consequences of bruxism
- Prevention of bruxism
- Treatment to control bruxism
Dental health consequences of bruxism
Bruxism can have serious consequences for dental health. Grinding or clenching the teeth during sleep can damage tooth enamel and increase the risk of tooth decay. In addition, bruxism can cause temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems, which can lead to jaw pain and difficulty chewing.
To treat bruxism, the most important thing is prevention. It is also important to see a dentist to assess the problem and receive appropriate treatment. The most common treatment is usually the use of a mouth guard, which helps both to protect the teeth and to relieve the muscular pain caused by bruxism. Diet and lifestyle changes may also be recommended to reduce stress and anxiety, which can contribute to bruxing more forcefully.
Tips for preventing bruxism
Although it is common and can occur at any age, bruxism can have long-term effects on oral health. If you suspect you have bruxism, it is important to talk to a dentist to get treatment. However, there are a few tips that can work to prevent bruxism:
- Relax before bedtime: Try relaxation or deep breathing exercises before bedtime to help reduce stress and tension.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol: Caffeine and alcohol can increase tension and anxiety, which can make bruxism worse. Try to limit your intake of these products, especially before bedtime.
- Use a proper pillow: A pillow that is the wrong size or not firm enough can contribute to bruxism by forcing your head and neck into awkward positions. Use a proper pillow to help maintain good posture and avoid strain on your neck and jaw.
- Avoid stress: Stress can be one of the main causes of bruxism. Try to find ways to manage stress, such as exercising, meditating or talking to a therapist.
- Wear a mouth guard: If you have bruxism and clench your teeth at night, your dentist may recommend wearing a mouth guard to protect your teeth while you sleep.
In some cases, therapy or medication may be necessary to treat the underlying cause of bruxism. Our latest protocol includes Botulinum Toxin infiltration into different muscle groups to reduce muscle tension and relax the joint.
If you have symptoms such as headache, jaw pain or fatigue, it is important to see your dentist to assess the problem and receive appropriate treatment. With proper treatment, bruxism can be controlled and its symptoms relieved.
Possible treatments or solutions for bruxism
There are several treatments available for bruxism. However, the appropriate treatment will depend on the underlying cause and the severity of each patient’s condition.
Some possible treatments for bruxism range from shock splints, lifestyle changes, jaw exercises to help strengthen the muscles and reduce teeth grinding, new behavioural therapies to help reduce stress, to botulinum toxin injections.
In any case, it is important to see a specialist in order to prescribe the appropriate treatment.
AtEmardentalwe offer our patients a personalised service provided by a specialist team. Our objective is to offer the least invasive and most effective treatments to guarantee a healthy mouth, establishing the basis for adequate oral health that will allow the adult to maintain an aesthetic and functional smile for years to come.
For us it is important to offer the greatest peace of mind and safety with our treatments. For this reason, we have a team of doctors specialised in advanced dentistry techniques and hygienists who are highly qualified in the latest technology and guarantee excellent and long-lasting results.
If you are concerned about bruxism or are interested in finding out more about it, come and visit us at Emardental and we will make a personalised diagnosis.
Your health is our priority.
Make an appointment at Clinicas Udemax and choose the location that best suits you: Udemax in the outpatient clinics of Policlínica Juaneda, in Arcdental or in Emardental, your clinic in the centre of Palma. For more information, call us on .
