Bruxism - causes,symptoms,treatment

What is bruxism?

Bruxism is the rubbing or "grinding" of teeth that affects a large portion of the population. Studies show that the onset of bruxism is closely linked to a stressful lifestyle and occurs in moments of relaxation, most often at night.

About one in five people suffer from teeth grinding, with women and men being affected equally. If teeth grinding occurs in childhood, the risk of developing it in adulthood increases. Daytime bruxism is more common in adults than sleep bruxism. With age, sleep bruxism is likely to become less common.

What causes bruxism?

The cause of bruxism is often not able to be clearly identified. Possible causes include emotional stress, anxiety, and sleep disturbances (such as insomnia), genetic factors, disruption of neurotransmitter release in the brain, gastroesophageal reflux disease. Alcohol, caffeine, or drug abuse can also lead to bruxism, as can smoking. Passive smoking is considered a risk factor for the development of bruxism in children. In addition, some medications, such as antidepressants, can cause bruxism as an undesirable side effect.

What symptoms may occur?

Possible signs of bruxism include:

• Sounds of teeth grinding or jaw clenching during sleep
• Tooth defects
• Pain in the jaw joints
• Fatigue or pain in the chewing muscles
• Difficulty opening the mouth upon waking, as well as increased strong chewing muscles
• Pain in the chewing muscles or neck muscles
• Headache, especially in the temple area, upon waking
• Sensitive teeth
• Poor sleep quality

Most of the time, sufferers do not even notice the teeth grinding. However, if irritation, tension, or pain regularly occur in the morning, this may be a sign of bruxism. In some cases, the partner is also disturbed by teeth grinding during sleep, and he or she may draw the attention of the affected person to the problem. For a dentist, changes in the tooth structure are often the first sign of bruxism. Traces of wear or cracks form on the tooth enamel. Teeth can become sensitive or painful. In some cases, individual teeth even become loose. Damaged tooth crowns can also be a sign of bruxism.

What are the types of bruxism?

Bruxism can occur when you are awake or asleep. The rubbing is the same, but awake and sleep bruxism are considered two separate conditions:

• Wakefulness bruxism:In this condition, you clench your jaw and grind your teeth during the day. This is usually associated with emotional problems. Feeling anxious, stressed, or angry can lead to teeth grinding. But so can concentration on something. Wakefulness bruxism often does not require treatment if you are more likely to notice and stop it. Stress management can help, and learning ways to be mindful can also help reduce the frequency.
• Sleep bruxism:With this form, you grind your teeth during sleep, which can cause more harm. You may not get the help you need because you don't know it's happening. Another problem associated with sleep bruxism is that people are not aware of how hard they are clenching their jaw and teeth. The compression can also lead to headaches.

Treatment for bruxism

Treatment options for teeth grinding include:

• Nightguard from a dentist
• Mindfulness and relaxation exercises
• Behavior therapy
• Botox
• Physiotherapy
• Psychotherapy
• Medicines

The full protocol treatment in Switzerland includes the elimination of muscle spasm and subsequent restoration of the bite height.

There are also many effective methods for dealing with bruxism. From a special relaxation splint, using relaxation techniques, to Botox injections in the face.

The use of Botox in the treatment of bruxism can be considered as an independent method or it can be supplemented with the use of a relaxation splint (transparent pads). Botox injections effectively relax the jaw muscles, so they eliminate the habit of clenching the chewing muscles.

Who to contact for bruxism?

If you have bruxism or suspect you may have it, you should see a dental check-up. If necessary, you will be referred to the appropriate hospital departments for further examination.

You can also get advice and organization of treatment in Switzerland from the CorSwiss company. You can find out more in the,Contacts»

Best clinics in Switzerland offer the most modern methods for the treatment of bruxism. Experienced doctors will professionally and professionally rid you of teeth grinding and help you forget about this disease forever.