Bruxism is the involuntarily or unconsciously clenching or grinding the teeth especially during sleep.This habit or practice of grinding of the teeth while sleeping can be due to stress or some drugs.Without appropriate protection such as the use of night guards that cover the teeth, severe dental problems may result. Some experts believe that bruxism is just a habit and nothing more than that.
A lot of people grind and clench there teeth unknowingly at night and during the day. This is a bigger problem at night because of lack of control. It is not exactly known what causes bruxism because people who clench and grind their teeth feel no symptoms.
It is known that wearing of teeth has been experienced with clenching of teeth because of the pressure applied on muscles and tissues that form the teeth structure. It is rather unfortunate for sleeping partners who have to go through the grinding noise at night. All the same bruxism is not an alarming disorder. However, it can cause permanent damage to the teeth and uncomfortable jaw pain, headaches, or ear pain. Possible complications associated with this condition though are, depression, eating disorders, insomnia, increased dental or TMJ (temporomandibular joint) problems and your ability to relax.
Under normal circumstances, you will not realize you are grinding or clenching your teeth because there is no pain.Sometimes, night time grinding can contribute to cracking and fracturing of back teeth as well.
The main goal of treatment is to reduce pain, prevent permanent damage to the teeth, and reduce clenching as much as possible.
Home remedies can help a lot in relieving the discomfort
1. By learning relaxation techniques, daily stress can be reduced.
2. Learn physical therapy stretching exercises to help restore a normal balance to the action of the muscles and joints on each side of the head.
3. Ice or wet heat is good for sore jaw muscles.
4. Try and get sufficient sleep.
5. Candies,nuts and steak should be avoided.
6. Taking plenty of water is advisable.
7. Practice facial muscle relaxation every day.
8. Neck, face and shoulder muscles need to be massaged often. Look for painful nodules that cause pain around your head and face.
In some people, just relaxing and modifying daytime behavior is enough to reduce night time bruxism. Ways to cab night grinding or clenching of teeth have not been made very clear but anxiety management and stress reduction will surely help.Eating sugar within a few hours of sleep can make bruxism worse. Do not eat any sugar within 6 hours before bedtime. Substitute it with a protein snack. People with bruxism will notice that the more stress they have the worse it gets. It is very important to take minerals rich in Vitamin B to keep your stress levels down.
Loading...