Bruxism is a relatively common oral disease, not only affecting oral health but also leaving many consequences for health in general, thereby limiting quality of life.
The cause of Bruxism during sleep can be due to neurological factors (anxiety, chronic stress, excitement or excessive emotions...), pathological factors (gastroesophageal reflux, dementia, epilepsy...), due to malocclusion (middle of the upper jaw) and misalignment of the lower teeth. ), side effects of some psychotropic drugs, stimulants or due to genetic factors.
Symptoms of Bruxism include abrasion of the tooth surface, temporomandibular joint disorder, muscle pain when chewing, broken teeth or tooth fillings, and dull pain in the temple area.
Knowing the causes, symptoms, and problems of bruxism can help you gain more useful knowledge to promptly detect and treat bruxism. Nhan Tam Dental Clinic has a team of good doctors and modern technology that will help you thoroughly treat underbite.
Causes of Bruxism
Bruxism often occurs during sleep, so people who grind their teeth lose control and their actions gradually become unconscious. There are many reasons for this, including:
Neurological factors
Bruxism can be caused by nervousness, anxiety or in people with aggressive and hyperactive personalities.
- Personality: People with strong and easily excitable personalities are generally at higher risk of Bruxism than people with normal psychology.
- Stress: Anxiety, chronic stress or constant anger can also cause Bruxism.
Pathological
Bruxism can be the result of conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, Parkinson's disease, dementia, epilepsy and night terrors.
In addition, misaligned and crooked teeth can also be the cause of Bruxism.
Prolonged stress is one of the main causes of Bruxism
Drugs and stimulants
Tobacco, alcohol, beer and other stimulants can increase the risk of Bruxism during sleep. In addition, some psychotropic drugs such as antidepressants and phenothiazines can also cause Bruxism as a side effect.
Genetic
Bruxism can be hereditary if one of your family members grinds their teeth.
Symptoms of Bruxism
You can recognize tooth grinding through the following signs:
- Bruxism or clenching can be loud enough to wake you or the person next to you from sleep.
- Worn, broken or chipped teeth.
- Teeth become more sensitive and may feel pain when eating foods that are acidic, too hot or too cold.
- Temporomandibular joint pain, muscle paralysis.
- Dull pain in temple area.
Bruxism will cause abrasion on the teeth, temporomandibular joint disease, chewing muscle pain, broken teeth...
See more: Bruxism: Causes and its harmful effects
Consequences of Bruxism
Because the force exerted in this movement is many times greater than the force generated when chewing, Bruxism not only causes unpleasant sounds for people around but can also cause dangerous complications.
Long-term Bruxism or clenching can lead to tooth wear, broken teeth, loss of tooth strength, long-term susceptibility to tooth decay, and can change the bite between the jaws. There may also be pain, fatigue or muscle pain in the temporomandibular joint.
Excessive Bruxism can cause jaw muscles to stiffen, the patient to feel tired, and jaw muscles to be injured. Due to overactive muscles, the main muscles on both sides can bite, making the face asymmetrical or square, and at the same time impacting the joints causing damage to the joint structure, such as joint disorders.
Depending on the level of joint damage, patients experience many different symptoms: jaw joint pain, hoarseness when opening or chewing, movement disorders, misaligned mouth opening, difficulty opening the mouth...
Excessive tooth grinding can affect tooth structure and cause sensitivity when eating hot or cold foods
Treatment is very important when you grind your teeth for a long time, especially when your teeth are worn down. Treatment begins with reducing stress in work and life (if any). If necessary, consult a psychologist.
The dentist can adjust the joint and create chewing plates for the patient. Orthodontics can help reduce tooth grinding. Wearing a chewing gum during stressful work hours at night or during the day will help stop tooth wear and reduce fatigue or muscle pain.
Below is some basic information about Bruxism. Learning about the causes, symptoms and effects of Bruxism will help you detect and promptly treat the condition. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an examination, please contact Nhan Tam Dental Clinic - Good Dentistry in Saigon today at Hotline 0338 56 5678.