What is Bruxism? - Types, Causes and Symptoms

Bruxism is when a person grinds or gnashes teeth unconsciously, either awake or asleep. Chronic Bruxism may lead to headaches, migraines, gum recession, damaged teeth, and other problems.

Types of bruxism
There are two types of bruxism:

• Awake bruxism: It usually happens due to emotions such as anxiety, stress, anger, or tension.
• Sleep bruxism: It is a sleep-related chewing activity that may lead to sleep apnea and snoring

Causes of bruxism

Doctors believe Bruxism may be due to a combination of physical (illnesses such as dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and gastro-oesophageal reflux disorder) and psychological (certain mental health disorders may cause Bruxism). Genetic research shows that around 50% of people who gnash or grind their teeth have a direct family member who does the same), and environmental (smoking, for instance, tends to be a risk factor for Bruxism) factors.The causes of bruxism include:

• Physical factors: Illness such as dementia, epilepsy, parkinson’s disease, gastro-oesophageal reflux disorder, etc, are few physical factors that cause bruxism.
• Psychological factors: Stress, anxiety, personality disorders, etc, are included in psychological factors.
• Genetic factors: Research shows that around 50% of people who gnash or grind their teeth have a direct family member who does the same.
• Other factors: Intake of alcohol, tobacco, caffeinated beverages, etc are few other causes of bruxism. It can also be caused due to side effects of some medications like psychiatric medications

Symptoms of bruxism

Symptoms of bruxism include:

• Loud teeth clenching and grinding
• Fractured, chipped teeth, worn tooth enamel
• Tooth pain or increased tooth sensitivity
• Tight jaw muscles
• Pain and soreness in the jaw and face
• Dull headache or earache
• Disrupted sleep
  

When to see a doctor?
If you are experiencing Bruxism, it is best to consult a doctor immediately as it can lead to fractured, chipped teeth, worn tooth enamel, tooth pain, increased tooth sensitivity, pain, and soreness in the jaw and face, migraines, headaches, earaches and disrupted sleep.

Possible complications

• Pain in the teeth and jaw
• Migraines
• Disorders in the temporomandibular joints.
• Teeth and jaw damage

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Risk factors

Risk factors include:

• Increased stress and anxiety, anger, tension, and frustration
• Medications such as antidepressants
• Smoking tobacco
• Caffeinated beverages
• Alcohol
• Recreational drugs
• Genetics and family history
• Other mental health and medical disorders such as dementia, Parkinson’s disease, gastro-oesophageal reflux disorder, epilepsy, and sleep apnea.

Prevention
Regular dental health checks, avoiding cigarettes, drugs, and alcohol, and good sleep hygiene may help prevent bruxism.

Diagnosis
Diagnosis involves a thorough physical exam and medical history as bruxism has a genetic link. A sleep study or polysomnography based on symptoms and severity may be recommended.

Treatment

• Changes in Behaviour: The doctor may teach how to rest the lips, tongue and teeth in order to reduce discomfort.
• Mouthguards: The doctor might prescribe a plastic mouth guard to absorb the force of biting.
• Biofeedback: Electronic instruments are used to measure the muscle activity of the mouth and jaw. This can help in keeping a track of severity of the disease.
• Medications: Medicines that regulate neurotransmitters may be prescribed.

Conclusion
Bruxism can become a chronic disorder if not treated at the right time. It may affect your day to day functioning and can even lead to dangerous jaw dysfunction known as Temporomandibular joint dysfunction(TMJ) disorder. A doctor should be consulted immediately to avoid further complications.

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