Bruxism

What is bruxism?

Bruxism is the technical term for grinding and clenching teeth. People who grind and clench unintentionally bite down too hard at inappropriate times, such as in their sleep. In addition to grinding teeth, people with bruxism also may bite their fingernails, pencils and chew the inside of their cheek. People usually aren't diagnosed with bruxism until it is too late because so many people don't realize they have the habit. Others mistakenly believe that their teeth must touch at all times. About one in four people suffer from bruxism, which can easily be treated by a dentist.

Is bruxism unhealthy?

People who have otherwise healthy teeth and gums can clench so often and so hard that over time their teeth become sensitive and they experience jaw pain and headaches. Forceful biting when not eating may cause the jaw to move out of proper balance.

What are the signs?

Persons with bruxism may have:

• flat appearing teeth tips
  
  
• teeth worn down so much that the enamel is rubbed off causing sensitive teeth
  
  
• pain, popping and/or clicking in their jaw (temporomandibular joint or "TMJ")
  
  
• tongue indentations

Who gets Bruxism?

Anyone can get bruxism women have a higher prevalence of bruxism as well as TMJ syndrome. The reason for this difference is not known.

What causes Bruxism?

While the exact cause is not known, bruxism is clearly associated with stress and certain personality types. For as long as humankind has existed, bruxism has affected people with nervous tension (stress). Anger, pain and frustration can trigger bruxing. People who are aggressive, competitive and hurried also may be at greater risk for bruxism.

What can de done about it?

During regular dental visits, the dentist automatically checks for physical signs of bruxism. If the dentist or patient notices signs of bruxism, the condition may be observed over several visits to be sure of the problem before recommending and starting therapy.

The objective of therapy is to change behavior by learning how to rest the tongue, teeth and lips properly. Treatment methods include:

1. Simple suggestion
   
   Some people are able to to change their behavior and relieve discomfort resting their tongue upward with teeth apart and lips shut by just listening to their dentist's suggestion.
   
   
2. Mouth appliances
   
   The dentist can make a plastic mouth appliance, such as a night guard that's worn to absorb the force of biting and helps change patient behavior.
   
   
3. Biofeedback
   
   Treats daytime clenchers by using electronic instruments to measure muscle activity and to teach patients how to reduce muscle activity when the biting force becomes too great.
   
   
4. Experimental techniques
   
   Researchers are looking for other ways of treating bruxism, especially for those who tend to clench in their sleep. One researcher developed an experimental lip stimulator that electrically stimulates the lip when a person bites down too hard while sleeping. However, that method is being refined because the stimulation can wake sleepers several times in a night.

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Resources

"Bruxism" @ http://www.drjay.com

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