An insight into the meaning of bruxism, its causes and how it can be treated.
Bruxism is one of those terms that gets thrown around from time to time (usually by a dentist) and you’re never quite sure what the heck it means. Well, you don’t have to wonder anymore. We’ll cover everything you need to know about Bruxism in this blog.
Let's start with what bruxism is and who it affects.
Bruxism is a condition that is said to affect approximately 8-10% of the UK population. It's more commonly known as teeth grinding. And when combined with jaw clenching, it can cause problems such as tooth wear and breakage, headaches, and even jaw disorders.
How do I know if I am a bruxist?
There are a few ways you can figure it out.
Apart from the symptoms I mentioned earlier, here are some other symptoms:Some symptoms to watch out for:
- Facial pain
- Earache
- Pain, clicking, and stiffness in the jaw joint
- Disturbed sleep
- Broken teeth and fillings
- Painful tongue
Over 10 million adults in the UK are affected by bruxism and around a third of them don't even know they suffer from the condition.
What are the causes of bruxism?
Bruxism can be attributed to many factors, both medical and lifestyle.; but there are certain habits and conditions that have been shown to contribute more significantly to bruxism.
Sleep disorders 💤
Sleep disorders are the most common cause of bruxism. This is mainly because sleep disorders cause moments of wakefulness during sleep and then, after this, grinding and clenching can occur.
Stress 😟
Nearly 70% of bruxism is reported to occur as a result of stress or anxiety.. Studies in this area have found strong links between bruxism and work-related stress.
Lifestyle
Certain lifestyle choices have been shown to be linked to bruxism. People who smoke, drink alcohol, and have more than six cups of caffeine per day are reported to be more likely to suffer from bruxism.
Is there a cure for bruxism?
There is currently no known cure for bruxism. However, there are treatments available. bruxism treatments to help manage the condition and provide symptom relief.
The most common forms of treatment are:
Occlusal splints
Occlusal splints are more commonly known as night guards.. They are the most effective form of treatment for bruxism. Designed to prevent involuntary tooth movement, occlusal splints reduce grinding noises and protect teeth from premature wear.
Botox
You may be familiar with Botox used to eliminate wrinkles or plump up lips, but recent studies have shown that the muscle relaxing properties associated with Botox may help bruxism. A small amount is injected into the muscles responsible for jaw movement. This reduces clenching and helps with any other symptoms associated with bruxism, such as headaches. And the results of this treatment can last between 3 and 6 months.
Mandibular advancement devices (MAD)
Mandibular advancement devices are typically used to treat sleep apnea or manage snoring, but studies have shown their effectiveness in controlling bruxism as well. They are similar to occlusal splints in that they are also plastic dentures.
Behavioral approaches 🧘
Hypnosis, meditation, muscle relaxants, and stress management techniques have also been prescribed as options for managing bruxism. However, studies show that mouthguards are still the most effective form of treatment.
If you read these lines and If you are concerned that you may suffer from bruxism, make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. Your dentist will be able to evaluate your teeth and advise you on treatment options.
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