Do you ever wake up from a night’s sleep with sore teeth and jaws? You could be grinding your teeth. Grinding your teeth is known as bruxism. This rhythmic clenching of the jaws and grinding of the teeth might develop at any age. Teeth grinding is typically done unconsciously in your sleep, but it can likewise occur when you are awake. During the day, a person who is focusing on a job will frequently place his teeth together and use force through a contraction of the jaw muscles. This is commonly associated with the daytime tasks of raising heavy things, driving, checking out and writing. During sleep, it provides as clenching and balanced contractions.
Nighttime Teeth Grinding Symptoms
The most common symptom of teeth grinding is a headache. The Bruxism Association states that people who grind their teeth are three times most likely to struggle with headaches. According to MedlinePlus, other symptoms include muscle pains, augmentation of facial muscles, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, stiffness of the shoulders and neck, ear pain and sleep conditions. The teeth are negatively impacted and show abnormal wear and mobility. This causes fracture and loss of teeth.
Causes of Nighttime Teeth Grinding
Stress, stress and anxiety, smoking cigarettes, alcohol, caffeine, anxiety and sleep conditions are all possible causes of teeth grinding, likewise inning accordance with the Bruxism Association. There is, however, little evidence to directly support any cause. Research has shown that bruxism is found more regularly in people who snore or struggle with obstructive sleep apnea and in people whose lifestyle consists of smoking, drinking alcohol and caffeine.
It has actually been found that 70 percent of individuals clench and grind their teeth as an outcome of stress and stress and anxiety. Some research has actually shown a possible link between teeth grinding and a stressful work environment.
How to Stop Nighttime Teeth Grinding
How can you stop clenching or grinding your teeth? It depends upon the cause. Is it due to a sleep condition, lifestyle factors or stress and anxiety? It is essential to have your dentist assess you with an extensive test and develop a treatment strategy that is specialized for you.
The best way to safeguard your teeth and avoid tooth wear and fracture is to wear an occlusal home appliance. We are talk about nighttime mouth guard for grinding teeth and similar devices. These appliances have various names, consisting of occlusal splints, occlusal bite guards, night guards, bite plates and bruxism devices. These are customizeded, specifically fitted plastic mouth pieces that fit over your leading or bottom teeth. Using one of these home appliances will reduce jaw muscle pain and safeguard both your teeth and temporomandibular joint. The devices are typically used at bedtime and are considered the treatment of option.
Mandibular Advancement Devices and Nighttime Teeth Grinding
Other home appliances are also used. These are called mandibular improvement devices. These are likewise custom made, specifically fitted appliances and typically fit over your leading and bottom teeth. Mandibular advancement devices usually bring your bottom jaw (mandible) forward. These devices are used when a sleep condition is a probable cause of grinding. The device is used to assist handle snoring and sleep apnea. When grinding your teeth is caused by sleep apnea, this is the preferred treatment.
If stress and anxiety or stress is thought to be the cause of your grinding, then behavioral management is a must. Relaxation strategies, meditation and psychoanalysis can help handle the stress and anxiety. Hypnosis has actually also been found to help alleviate grinding of your teeth. A study reported by the Bruxism Association found hypnosis to have favorable long-lasting effects, so this treatment has some promise. Often a combination of behavior modification and occlusal devices is required.
Putting an end to the clenching or grinding of your teeth needs an examination by your dental expert or by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. After an examination, a treatment strategy can be implemented. It may include an occlusal device and, perhaps, behavioral adjustment approaches.
