Bruxism
Bruxism is the habit of grinding or clenching the teeth. As a result, dental wear occurs, which can become very severe, causing hypersensitivity, cracks, and even fractures, as well as gum recession.
Another common manifestation is pain in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This pain can radiate to the ear, neck, or head, and in many cases, it is accompanied by limited mouth opening.
The causes can vary and may include issues in the TMJ, muscular problems, dental malocclusions, or harmful habits.
Depending on the cause, we will find the most appropriate treatment.
Bruxism treatment options
In acute episodes, we typically resort to medication such as anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, and occasionally anxiolytics.
For ongoing treatment, the night guard is the most commonly used option. It relieves pressure on the teeth and prevents wear, though it does not eliminate bruxism.
With the night guard, we aim to reposition the jaw and relax the muscles, which helps to reduce or even eliminate pain, prevent dental wear, protect the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and facilitate restful sleep.
Measures to relieve and prevent bruxism
- Control of anxiety and stress: These situations promote muscle contraction, which will eventually cause or exacerbate the pain.
- Hygienic and dietary measures: Try to limit excessive mouth opening (for example, when yawning) or excessive closing, such as when chewing very hard foods.
- Physical therapy treatments: They can help alleviate pain by relaxing the muscles.
In some cases, if the patient has lost molars or has any malocclusion (teeth that don't fit properly), bruxism may be triggered. In this case, the treatment could be to replace the lost teeth in the first situation or undergo orthodontic treatment in the second case.
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