|
|
Teeth GrindingTeeth Grinding SymptomsTeeth grinding is also known as bruxism derived from the Greek word brugmos which means gnashing of teeth. It is normally accompanied by jaw clenching. At some time in our lives, we experience teeth grinding. This may be a diurnal or nocturnal occurrence. This condition becomes alarming if it occurs while sleeping. In this case, it is regarded as a sleep disorder. The main cause of teeth grinding is still being contested. Stress on a daily basis is one of the major causes of this condition.There are times when some people who clench their teeth do not even feel symptoms. It is essential then to be informed of the symptoms that will qualify as valid manifestations of teeth grinding. Heredity is being trivialized as one of the causes of teeth grinding. Also, that this condition is gender related since three times as many women than men teeth grind and is most common in ages between 20 and 40. It also important to know that children are also affected by this condition. There are just occasions when kids simply outgrow this condition as they get older. Teeth grinding is the body's way of destressing. So if a person does not gnash one's teeth in daytime, how can he or she know that he or she is experiencing nocturnal bruxism? Only 5% will develop symptoms of teeth grinding. The most practical way to know if one has this condition is to ask a family member or a close friend to observe you when you are sleeping. If they hear grinding of teeth on a nightly basis, then you have really have it. The common symptoms of chronic teeth grinders are headaches,anxiety, stress, depression, eating disorders, earache, morning jaw soreness, muscle tension throughout the day, neck pain and stiffness triggered by clenching, temporomandibular joint pain (TMJ) and migraines triggered y clenching. There are some cases when teeth grinding can result in loosening, fracturing or loss of teeth. It can even wear their teeth down to stumps. In this event, teeth crowns, root canals, bridges, partial dentures, complete dentures and implants may be required. Severe teeth grinding cannot just damage teeth or cause loss of teeth, it can also affect your jaws. This can worsen TMJ/TMD (temporomandibular disorder), can result to loss of hearing and can even alter the appearance of your face. One's teeth grinding can cause problems in relationships. This is especially true for couples. If snoring is a major issue for some couples, extreme bruxism has found its way as a valid ground for break ups. If you already verified that you have bruxism, then it is best to consult a dentist. These experts can check if you have any misalignment in your teeth. There are also dentists who specialize in evaluating and treating TMJ disorders will usually take x-rays and prescribe a mouth guard. If your teeth grinding are caused primarily by stress, anxiety and mental problems, then it is necessary to undergo counselling. There are therapies that can help eliminate stress and promote a better well being. Teeth grinding or gnashing may look like a non-threatening condition but if not treated, it can even result to a major surgery.
We have different pet peeves when it comes to sleeping. Most people will really get irked when they hear somebody snoring. The unusual sounds can be really irritating to the extent that one cannot sleep anymore. We have all been immersed to this kind of sleep disorder. We are all guilty this sleep disorder occasionally especially when we are really exhauseted. Few people know that there is a sleep disorder that is similar to snoring specifically to the annoying sounds produced. This sleep disorder is known as grinding teeth. For some people this is more distracting than snoring. This is because there is an added fear when one hears the grinding sound of teeth. It brings back memories of those popular horror movies. Just imagine teeth gnashing producing the same sounds similar to the movie the Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Sleeping with somebody who grinds teeth is one hell of an experience. It is just like sleeping with the enemy wherein you need to be always on guard. Grinding teeth is an excruciating experience especially to the one who does it. Grinding teeth is rarely occurs in daytime. It is usually more apparent in nighttime. Studies show that grinding teeth is due to the stress that a person encounters on a daily basis. An individual's teeth grinding is his or her body's way of releasing stress. Usually the sufferer is not aware of this habit or sleep disorder. This is the reason why they usually feel sore on their jaw area when they wake up. They have unexplained headaches or migraine of some sort due to the clenching or gnashing of their jaw. If the occurrence of grinding teeth is chronic, they may even notice that the enamel of their teeth are cracked or broken. It is important to know that kids are not spared from grinding teeth. In fact this is a common occurrence since they have not developed their teeth yet. This is not a major threat since kids normally outgrow this condition as they get older. It only becomes a serious condition when there is a noticeable misalignment of teeth or jaw. Adults who have malocclusion which is the abnormality in the coming together of teeth or more commonly known as overbite or underbite should consult a dentist immediately. In this manner, temporomandibular joint problems TMJ (jaw joint) and TMJ Syndrome or TMD (disorder) will be corrected and avoided. If not treated, this can cause loss of hearing and disfigurement of one's face. Grinding teeth is really a serious condition that might even lead to surgery. If it is just related to anxiety and stress, then it can even cause a loss in relationships. One should take time in determining what causes his or her grinding teeth disorder. Once known, then pro-active actions should be taken immediately to cure it. If not, manage the condition in the best manner possible.
Many people are not familiar with the word stress. For them it's just a buzz word or a buzz phrase being used by workaholic people. There are even times when the use of such word is synonymous to social climbers. People who would like to be associated with the upper strata of the society will mention the word "stress" or "stressful" in their daily conversations. So what is the connection of teeth grinding with stress? Actually, the answer is a lot! Some people snore in their sleep and that is their bodies' way to manifest stress. Others have this teeth grinding disorder in their sleep and this is their bodies' response to daily stressful activities. In this case, we can say that stress is one of bodily,chemical or mental tension resulting from factors that tend to change or alter an existent equilibrium. This is how powerful stress can be in our lives. It can even cause somebody's teeth grinding. Teeth grinding is a condition of consciously or unconsciously clenching your teeth either during the day or while you sleep. Most people unknowingly experience this while sleeping. Our jaw is designed for chewing not for clenching. That is why some of the sufferers of teeth grinding feel sore in their jaw area or joints. They may even have difficulties in eating and will later on develop eating disorders. Now stress is not the only culprit for teeth grinding. It can also be due to malocclusion, a condition more popularly known as underbite or overbite. Of course there are different types of this condition. A dental malocclusion occurs when the teeth are not lined up properly, although the jaws may be properly aligned. While a skeletal malocclusion occurs when the upper and lower jaws do not line up properly. Now that we know what causes teeth grinding, what can be the best first aid solution to this condition? Anxiety and stress definitely require counselling sessions. Therapies will not provide instant solution in minimizing the damages or harm that teeth grinding sufferers need to address immediately. The best and immediate product that can curtal teeth grinding is with the use of a mouth guard. Mouth guards are very effective in preventing further teeth damage or loss by teeth grinding sufferers. The use of this product protects the enamel, crown, bridges of teeth, even implants. The purpose of mouth guards is to keep the teeth apart to avoid gnashing, clenching and grinding. The most affordable mouth guards can be purchased in over the counter drugstores. The only flaw is that it's not customized to one's mouth. One must keep in mind that what you are after is immediate protection for your teeth. It will still serve its purpose perfectly. You can also purchase an athlete mouth guard that can be custom fitted. Another one is directly from a laboratory. You will purchase directly from the lab and you will be sent a kit for you to take bite molds and return the molds to the lab for them to construct you mouth guard. Lastly, your dentist can definitely make a mouth guard that will fit well and protect you from your teeth grinding condition. The only concern by most is its costly price.
Snoring is the most common and popular nuisance or annoyance when it comes to sleeping. Not everyone knows that there is a condition that is slowly gaining popularity. This sleep vexation is known as teeth grinding. This condition can be both diurnal and nocturnal. Most people who experience teeth grinding while sleeping are not aware of it. They will only know about their condition through the people who sleep with them. Also, some manifestations are through neck pain, headaches and morning jaw soreness. Teeth grinding is indeed a major source of morning discomfort. Stress and anxiety are the most common causes of teeth grinding. If these two are not identified as the main culprits, then the condition is caused by dental issues. The following are useful tips or procedures that can actually help alleviate one's teeth grinding condition: It has been proven that taking warm baths before bedtime reduces the occurrence of teeth grinding. The warm water relaxes tensed and tired muscles. It also has calming effects to the nerves. One can apply heat or warm moisture on one's jaw by soaking a cloth in warm water. Simply wring the cloth to get rid of the water and apply directly on the jaw. Moist heat penetrates better on the affected area as compared to a heating pad. Massage your facial and jaw muscles. This is also one of the best ways in relieving stress. A full body massage can definitely eliminate all forms of stress in one's body. Related to this procedure is exercise. Exercise releases toxins in our body. It relaxes tensed muscles and that includes the jaw which is the most affected part by teeth grinding. Learn to deal with your stress. Listen to meditative tapes. Learn coping skills which you can get from a counsellor, close friend, family member, psychologist or psychiatrist. Venting one's suppressed feelings can help release the stress that may be causing one's teeth grinding. The use of mouth guards are very effective in the prevention of further teeth damage or teeth loss caused by teeth grinding. You can get this product from over the counter drugstores, laboratories or directly from your dentist. A repositioning splint which looks like a traditional mouth guard can help correct overbite or underbite which is a possible cause of teeth grinding as well. Botox which is an injectable medication commonly used in cosmetic procedures has been very effective in alleviating teeth grinding symptoms. Since it weakens the facial muscles that promote wrinkles, the same rationale is being observed. This time to relax and weaken the jaw muscles that's causing the chronic teeth grinding and clenching. The effectivity of the treatment is good for three months. The increase in botox dosage is not encouraged to teeth grinding sufferers, because it might permanently weaken the jaw muscles which will cause inability in eating and chewing.
|
Home |