Bruxism is a disease that can go unnoticed. This is because it is not given the right importance since it is only seen as a habit.
Despite this, the habit of clenching the teeth brings deformations or muscle problems. Which will potentially affect the strength of your bite and even cause tooth fractures. For this reason, we invite you to learn more about this disease that is taken lightly.
What is bruxism?
Bruxism is the habit of clenching or grinding teeth, with movements and contacts for no functional purpose, such as chewing food.
This hyperactivity of the masticatory musculature generally occurs unconsciously. It is usually accompanied by headache and pain in the muscles of the jaw, neck and ears.
The constant rubbing produces the known grinding and can wear down the teeth to the point of making them increase their sensitivity. The habit becomes unpleasant and annoying for the couple and for the people around them.
It is defined as a persistent mandibular parafunction that can occur during the day or at night. The latter being the most frequent since it is related to sleep, making it more difficult to control.
The main trigger is located on the psychological plane, although the habit has repercussions that cover the area of oral health and the specialist who is consulted is the dentist.
Although there are no known specific causes of bruxomania, as the World Health Organization also calls it, there are clear indications that stress and anxiety are related to its onset and intensity.
Among the recommendations to control bruxism are
Go to the specialist in Dentistry.
Get an evaluation of your jaw alignment.
Consider wearing a mouth guard (splint).
Perform exercise routine to relieve stress.
Bruxopathic behavior.
What signs and symptoms should I evaluate?
Rhythmic contractions of the jaw muscles.
Chewing muscle activity (when you are not eating food).
Teeth grinding sound (especially at night, even during a nap). At this point the contribution that the couple or the family can make is very valuable.
Feeling of tension or pain in the jaw area.
Inflammation (occasional) of the lower side of the jaw.
Tooth wear.
Tooth or molar fractures.
Occlusal noise.
Hypersensitivity in the teeth to hot or cold drinks (due to abrasion or loss of enamel).
Muscular fatigue.
Muscle pain (in the face, neck, ears, or upper back).
Dysfunction of the auditory apparatus, like sensation of beeping or tinnitus.
The first manifestations of bruxism can appear in adolescence, specifically between the ages of 17 and 20. Spontaneous remission can occur after age 40 in chronic bruxism. However, it can disappear on its own at any time in life.
What do you think?
Have you ever suffered from the symptoms of bruxism, leave us your opinion in the comment box.
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