Bruxism is a condition where patients unintentionally clench and grind their teeth together. It can happen while sleeping and even when you’re awake. This condition is commonly known as teeth grinding.
When suffering from bruxism you are probably waking up with sore teeth and jaws. In an awake situation, teeth grinding can occur when you are trying to concentrate on a task. Bruxism treatment options are getting dental veneers, wearing a night guard, and Invisalign treatment, etc.
Let us understand the symptoms of bruxism and types of bruxism treatments –
What Are The Symptoms of Bruxism?
Some of the warning signs of bruxism or teeth grinding, which indicate that you should book a dental check-up ASAP are:
- Headache
- Facial Muscle Ache
- Tender Jaw Muscles
- Broken or Missing Teeth
- Discomfort in TMJ
- Damaged Cheeks or Bones Inside the Mouth
Some of these symptoms can also persist because of other disorders. Your dentist can only tell you that you are suffering from bruxism or not.
Treatment Options for Bruxism
Any of the following conventional bruxism treatments can be prescribed to you by your dentist, depending on your condition.
Dental Prevention
Following methods don’t treat the condition. But they prevent further teeth damage due to clenching.
- Splints oral night guard can be placed on your teeth when you sleep. Because of these devices, your teeth will not come in contact with each other while you clench or grind them.
- Your dentist might also recommend dental veneers if you cannot chew with your teeth properly. This happens because your teeth sometimes get sensitive due to all the grinding action.
- Dentists also prescribe Invisalign treatment in case your teeth need to be aligned. Invisalign can adjust your bite. And it can also control the muscles used in teeth clenching.
Dental Veneers
Invisalign-Treatment
Stress Reduction Techniques
Some common bruxism causes are psychological, like anger, frustration, stress, anxiety, etc. Following stress reduction therapies can help control the bruxism in such cases.
- Doctors often prescribe medication for various lifestyle diseases. These medications can also be used as an effective bruxism treatment with other mandatory medications.
- You can practice meditation with a meditation app or follow a qualified teacher to guide you through the correct meditation process to help with teeth grinding due to stress.
- Like meditation, yoga is also known to heal the effects of depression and anxiety. Physiologically triggered bruxism can be aided through yoga and meditation.
- Stress and anxiety can be relieved if you get a trusted opinion from a friend, well-wisher, or psychiatrist. Merely talking about your issues to a good listener can provide you relief.
Medication
There is not one medication fit for every bruxism patient. It all depends on the cause and condition of bruxism.
- Clenching and grinding of teeth happen when muscles get stressed. Muscle relaxants can prevent night bruxism. Your dentist may prescribe you a muscle relaxant to take before bedtime.
- Botox injection is one of the most effective bruxism treatment. Botox injections are generally given to patients who don’t respond to any other form of therapy. It is a kind of botulin toxin which controls the muscle spasm.
Final Word!
Bruxism is a treatable disorder, so you don’t need to worry. Consult a good dentist at the first symptoms of teeth grinding. An early diagnosis makes it easier to treat bruxism and help with teeth grinding. Feel free to call Coral Dental Care for consultation or book an appointment today.
Dr. Anu Isaac, DMD, runs a successful dental practice in Salem, MA. Dr. Isaac strives for quality on a daily basis and this commitment to quality is reflected in her constant pursuit of advanced training. Her firm belief that even experts need to stay updated about what’s new in the dental field, enables her to provide every patient with optimal oral care. As the founder of Coral Dental Care, she is dedicated to creating healthy, beautiful smiles for her patients and also to educating dental and non-dental community with her engaging articles on all things related to oral health,recent dental innovations, and latest treatment modalities.