Bruxism

Many individuals possibly tend to involuntarily grind or grit their teeth on several instances. Teeth grinding, medically termed as bruxism, occurring occasionally, is not known to lead to any significant harm, however, regular teeth grinding could cause considerable damage to the teeth and many other complications related to oral health could crop up.

What triggers teeth grinding?

Though stress and anxiety are known to trigger teeth grinding, it mostly occurs during sleep times and an anomalous bite or uneven/ missing teeth could more likely elicit tooth grinding.

How to detect teeth grinding?

As grinding is a slumber-time occurrence, most individuals are unconsciously grinding their teeth. But, if a dulling, constant headache or soreness occurs in the jaw then bruxism is most likely the cause behind it. Often many come to know about their teeth grinding from their loved one for whom the teeth grinding is quite audible during the night.

In case one is in doubt about grinding one’s teeth, then it is vital to consult the dentist who would carry out an oral examination to search for signs of jaw soreness and teeth irregularities.

How damaging could Teeth Grinding be?

In certain situations, chronic teeth grinding could lead to a fracture, loosened or loss of tooth. Chronic grinding might cause wearing of the teeth till the stumps. In case such events incur, bridges, crowns, root canals, dental implants, partial and at times complete dentures could become necessary.

Damaged and lost teeth are not the only unfavourable effects of tooth grinding as it could majorly impact the jaws leading to auditory loss, could cause or lead to deterioration in TMD/TMJ or temporomandibular disorders and could also alter facial appearance.

How to bring to a halt to Teeth Grinding?

The dentist would recommend that a mouth guard be fitted for protecting the teeth against nocturnal teeth grinding.

In case, stress is the reason behind grinding the teeth, then the doctor/dentist could be consulted for seeking means to lowering stress. The varied choices offered for halting teeth grinding involve either enrolling for stress counselling, beginning an exercise regime, visiting a physical therapist or seeking prescription for muscle relaxing medications.

Other pointers to assist in curbing teeth grinding comprise of:

• Steer clear from or cutting back on food and beverages in which caffeine is present like in colas, chocolates and coffee.
• Avoiding alcohol as it tends to exaggerate teeth grinding after consumption.
• Avoid chewing on items like pen, pencils or other articles that are not food items. Also chewing gum lets the jaw muscles to get accustomed to gritting and makes one more prone to grinding one’s teeth.
• Training oneself to not grit or grind the teeth would be immensely beneficial. Being vigilant about when during the day does not grind one’s teeth and positioning the tongue in-between the teeth during those occasions. By following this practice the jaw muscles can be trained to relax.
• Relaxing the jaw muscles during night time by pressing a tepid washcloth up against the surface of the cheek in front of the earlobe.

Is teeth grinding noted among children?

The teeth grinding is not merely an adulthood problem but also noted among 15-33% of infants. Children that grinded their teeth were observed to do it at 2 peak occasions – during times when their baby teeth first start emerging and while their permanent teeth are appearing. Majority of the kids give up their teeth grinding habit after their initial milk teeth and permanent teeth have entirely grown.

Usually, children tend to do teeth grinding more during snooze times as compared to their wakeful hours. With reasons behind infant teeth grinding still obscure, however many consider incorrect teeth alignment or anomalous shutting between the upper and the lower set of teeth, some form of ailments or other medical conditions like dietary deficit, presence of pinworms, allergic reactions, endocrinological disorders, or psychological aspects such as strain and anxiety.

Teeth grinding among babies are hardly ever known to cause any serious consequence. Though, it could lead to pain in the jaw line, wearing of teeth, headaches and temporomandibular disorders (TMD). A dentist must be consulted in case the kid’s teeth appear worn out or the kid is experiencing sensitivity and pain in the tooth.

Precise pointers for helping the kid in stopping the teeth grinding habit comprise of:

• Allaying the child’s stress, particularly prior to bed times.
• One could opt for doing massages and implementing some form of stretch exercises for relaxing the muscles.
• Ensuring the child’s diet is replete with loads of fluids as dehydration could be associated with teeth grinding.
• The dentist could be asked to examine the kid’s teeth in case he/she is engaging in teeth grinding.

Preschooler kids do not need any form of intercession. Though, older kids might require temporary crowns or others means of averting teeth grinding like night guard would become necessary.

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