Bruxism is a teeth grinding disorder and is much more commonplace than you might imagine, with some people not even realising that they doing it in their sleep.
If your teeth seem to have a greater level of sensitivity and you awake each morning with a tense and painful jaw together with a possible headache or ear ache, it is quite possible that you are grinding your teeth and clenching your jaw in your sleep.
Bruxism
Dental specialists such as Dr Steven B.Syrop will tell you that the symptoms of bruxism can be alleviated and you should seek advice if you think that you are grinding your teeth.
Failure to address the symptoms of bruxism can potentially lead to more serious problems and in particular, Temporomandibular Joint Problems (TMJ). Teeth clenching increases the amount of pressure on your jaw muscles, tissues and structure, which can subsequently cause TMJ.
Regular checks with your dentist will help them to identify the potential physical signs of bruxism, which are generally worn teeth and signs of fracturing. If you are suffering from a painful or tense jaw and experiencing a dull headache when you awake in the morning, these are all symptoms associated with bruxism.
Treatments available
There are a number of methods available to help combat bruxism. Most of them are either designed to help patients conquer the disorder and let them move on with their life whilst other treatments are specifically aimed at preventing further damage and reducing the level of pain and discomfort felt.
Once you have been identified as a bruxism sufferer, your dentist might suggest wearing a mouth guard or splint during your sleep. The guard will be custom-made by your dentist to ensure that it is a comfortable fit and prevents any further damage occurring.
It is understood that stress and anxiety can be a trigger or cause of bruxism, so you may wish to consider adopting some relaxation techniques into your nightly routine such as meditation or suitable exercises, designed to reduce your stress levels and promote a restful sleep without grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw.
Psychotherapy
Teeth grinding can quite often be linked to tension and anxiety, as it is a physical response and a way of dealing with any tension that you are experiencing.
A psychotherapist may well be able to help resolve your bruxism by assisting you to address any negative issues in your life and by easing this tension, you could find that the teeth grinding stops.
You could also consider supplementing any treatment you receive by taking up yoga, meditation or learning how to use breathing exercises to reduce stress and tension.
Dental work
The cause of your bruxism could possibly be attributed to having an uneven bite. Your dentist can advise you on whether crowns, fillings or other orthodontic work might help to correct an uneven bite and in turn, reduce or eliminate the prospect of teeth grinding or jaw clenching.
If there is any good news about bruxism, it is the fact that there are a number of ways in which you can successfully break the habit.
Megan Anders is a dental professional with many years under her belt. When she’s not busy in the dentist’s office, she is researching the latest dental issues online. Look for her engaging posts on medical, health and dental blogs and websites.