BRUXISM - "Teeth Grinding"

WHAT IS BRUXISM ??

Bruxism has been defined by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine as the " repetitive jaw muscle activity characterized by the clenching or grinding of teeth and/ or bracing or thrusting of the mandible."

• Night bruxism - Nocturnal bruxism
• Day bruxism - Diurnal bruxism

Frequent sleep bruxism occurs in about 13% of adults. The exact etiology is still unknown and current literature suggests that sleep bruxism is regulated centrally  (pathophysiological and psychosocial factors) and not peripherally (morphological factors). 

CAUSES OF BRUXISM-

Stress/ Anxiety: It is one of the leading causes of bruxism and most people unaware of the condition keep on grinding their teeth leading to severe outcomes.

Malaligned teeth: Improper occlusion or when teeth are not in proper alignment cause a disrupted bite leading to grinding of some teeth in improper occlusion.

Working conditions: People working in factories involving gritty / abrasive products like coal, dust etc. can also lead to workers grinding their teeth.

Improper fillings / restorations: High fillings, improper height of the crown / cap can lead to improper occlusion again leading to a disturbed bite.

Sleep apnea: Difficulty in respiration during sleep is another leading cause of bruxism. Various devices, surgery can help resolve the sleep apnea issue.

TMJ disorders: TMJ disorders like displacements, clicking and popping sound during opening and closing of TMJ lead to a disturbed bite.

TRAUMA FROM OCCLUSION

When the biting force exceeds the force bearing capacity of the tissues supporting the tooth structure lead to trauma to the periodontium.

COMPLICATIONS OF BRUXISM-

Pain: Excess forces on teeth. jaw, periodontium causes pain in the facial area usually when the patient wakes up in the morning.

Cracked tooth syndrome: It is a very painful condition in which the crown of the tooth cracks / fractures due to disturbed forces. Sometimes it even leads to a vertical root fracture whose treatment is only extraction of the tooth.

Sensitivity: Excessive grinding of the teeth leads to enamel and dentin abrasion exposing the dentinal tubules and pulp which causes increased and painful sensitivity.

Headaches: Excessive or disturbed amount of biting / clenching pressure of the teeth leads to muscle fatigue and this causes a severe headache too.

TREATMENT-

Stress therapy: People diagnosed with stress or anxiety disorders are recommended to undergo various stress therapies according to the underlying cause like                                                                                    cognitive therapy                                                                                 hypnotherapy                                                                                               meditation 

Night guard: Patients experiencing bruxism out of habit must visit a dentist and get themselves a mouthguard/ nightguard to break the habit and wear it judiciously.

Orthodontic treatment: This treatment is recommended for patients having malaligned teeth to bring them back to their proper function and structural position to develop a proper bite.

Correction of the restorations: The dentist must ensure to reduce any high point on the filling or should always properly seat the crown on the tooth structure to avoid any type of pain or disturbed bite.

PREVENTION OF BRUXISM-

• Improving sleep pattern 
• Avoid too much of caffeine and alcohol  
• Lifestyle changes to decrease the stress
• Regular dental checkups is a must