What is Bruxism?

21:56 - 4 May , 2021

Disease

It is also known as teeth grinding and it is a condition in which the teeth are unconsciously clenched causing them to creak, either during the day (daytime bruxism) or while sleeping (nighttime bruxism).

The most common type is nighttime bruxism, which is often related to sleep abnormalities such as obstructive apnea. 

If bruxism is mild, no treatment is normally prescribed, but in severe cases where migraines, jaw problems, and dental injuries occur, it is essential to treat it promptly. 

The direct causes of bruxism are unknown, but it is a multifactorial condition involving genetic, physical, and psychological issues.

Signs and symptoms Bruxism

  • Teeth hypersensitivity.
  • Injuries inside the mouth due to bites. 
  • Sleep disorders.
  • Sore and numb jaw. 
  • Swelling and pain in the face and neck. 
  • Headache.
  • Dental compression and grinding. 
  • Worn, fractured, or loose teeth. 

Potential risks:

  • Drugs.
  • Smoking.
  • Alcoholism. 
  • Family history. 
  • Conditions such as epilepsy, sleep apnea, ADHD, and Parkinson’s disease. 
  • Anxiety and stress.
  • Aggressive and angry nature.

Diagnosis and treatment Bruxism

The diagnosis is usually made when you go to your dentist for a check-up or to have a dental problem treated, the signs are quite obvious so the doctor will ask you about your symptoms, your general health, your sleeping habits, and the drugs you take, obtaining the necessary information to identify the cause of bruxism. 

If he or she suspects a sleep disorder is the cause, he or she will refer you to a specialized center, but if the reason seems to be uncontrolled emotions, you will be referred to a psychologist. 

When there are serious symptoms and complications the treatment must combine total dental restoration, psychological therapy, and medications such as muscle relaxants, anxiolytics, and Botox treatment. 

Dental restoration:

  • Veneers and mouth guards:  They fit the teeth and maintain a separation between each tooth to prevent wear caused by bruxism. 
  • Dental repair: when there is severe damage to the teeth, rehabilitation is necessary by placing crowns, resins, bridges, or whatever is necessary to promote adequate chewing. 

ABC Medical Center invites you to take care of your dental health with our professional team of highly qualified and ethical dentists supported by cutting-edge technology, which guarantees a high quality and safe service in our comfortable and functional facilities with all the state-of-the-art dental advances, achieving rapid attention with a high degree of precision and efficiency. 

Fuentes:

  • topdoctors.es
  • mayoclinic.org
  • medlineplus.gov
  • dentalcare.com.mx
  • msdmanuals.com
  • cun.es
  • medigraphic.com
  • Nápoles GD, García CL, Rodríguez RO, et al. Tendencias contemporáneas de las bases fisiopatológicas del bruxismo. MediSan. 2014;18(08):1180-1187.
  • Carnaúba AAF, Barros DGS, Medeiros SGSN, et al. Bruxismo en la infancia: ¿cómo tratar?. Rev Odotopediatr Latinoam. 2021;11(1):124-135.
  • De La Cruz ER, Castelán FG, Roesch RL, et al. Prevalencia de bruxismo en estudiantes de la facultad de odontología de la Universidad Veracruzana. Rev Mex Med Forense. 2019;4(Suppl:1):115-117.
  • Alejandri-Gamboa J, Gómez-Moreno EY. Bruxismo nocturno y síndrome de dolor miofascial. Rev ADM. 2020;77(4):203-208. doi:10.35366/95114.

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